THEPA ROYAL BOAT

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Vietnamese fishing vessel collided with Thai patrol ship

On the morning of Feb 25, 2025, the Vietnamese fishing boat 'KG.95541.TS' collided with the HTMS 'Thepa'in Thailand’s Exclusive Economic Zone after illegally entering Thai waters, leading to the arrest of the boat and its four crew members. At 5 p.m., the 'Thepa' and a patrol ship towed the fishing vessel to the multi-purpose port in Khlong Yai district, Trat province. The capture was a result of coordinated efforts between the Maritime Enforcement Coordination Centre Region 1, the First Naval Area Command, the Border Defence Command of Chanthaburi and Trat, the Coastal Patrol Squadron, and the Naval Intelligence Department. They had been monitoring the presence of foreign fishing vessels in Thai waters since Feb 22, which led to the discovery of approximately ten foreign vessels conducting illegal fishing activities. On Feb 24, the Maritime Enforcement Coordination Centre Region 1 was notified about the foreign fishing vessels’ presence, which included pair trawlers, purse seiners, and light luring boats. The vessels were operating in Thai waters between pos. 11°06’N to 10°58’N and 102°26’E to 102°25’E. They were fishing at night and retreating southwards during the day. Due to the situation, the Maritime Enforcement Coordination Centre Region 1 requested support from the Border Defence Command and dispatched HTMS Thepa and the patrol ship 'T 264', along with aerial support from the First Naval Area Command. After the detention, several Vietnamese fishing boats attempted to flee, but one vessel turned and collided with the starboard side of the 'Thepa', causing minor damage. Report with photos: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/vietnamese-fishing-boat-collides-with-thai-patrol-ship-in-illegal-entry