Myanmar Spring Chronicle – December 2: Insights
MoeMaKa, December 3, 2024
Issue of Shooting at Thai Fishing Boat on the Myanmar-Thai Border
On November 27, a Thai fishing boat was fired upon by a Myanmar Navy vessel, resulting in the arrest of crew members. Nearly five days later, the detained Thai and Myanmar crew members have yet to be released. On December 2, the Myanmar military council publicly commented on the incident for the first time, claiming that both Thai and Myanmar crew members were being well-treated while being interrogated. They alleged connections to illegal organizations, citing non-lethal evidence discovered during the investigation. Media sympathetic to the military council amplified these claims, drawing criticism for exaggeration.
The military council stated that discussions with the Thai armed forces regarding the incident had taken place. Following the incident, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed that even if the fishing occurred in Myanmar’s waters, acts of violence and arrests are unacceptable.
This shooting and arrest incident reflects deeper issues within Myanmar, showcasing how its military government interacts with its neighbors like Thailand. Historically, Thai fishing boats have encroached into Myanmar’s waters to fish illegally, and the Myanmar Navy has often turned a blind eye due to bribery and informal agreements. Local residents and Thai fishers have long been aware of this arrangement. While illegal fishing disputes have occurred in the past, this recent escalation raises questions about why the Myanmar Navy chose this time to take such a drastic action.
According to Myanmar military spokesperson General Zaw Min Tun, the military council has clarified that they maintain a good understanding with the Thai armed forces. Some interpret this as an attempt to downplay tensions and avoid a diplomatic fallout. Speculations suggest that this incident might be politically motivated, given that Thailand plans to host a meeting on Myanmar’s ongoing political crisis and armed conflicts in the coming weeks.
Broader Implications
The incident is not an isolated event. While illegal fishing is not uncommon along the border, the use of gunfire and arrests is extraordinary. Another dimension of the issue is the employment of many Myanmar migrant workers on Thai fishing boats. Reports indicate that of the 31 detainees, only four are Thai nationals, while 27 are Myanmar citizens, underscoring the significant reliance on Myanmar labor. Interestingly, the Thai side has made no calls for the release of the detained Myanmar workers, suggesting the resolution of this matter might occur within Myanmar’s legal framework.
The lack of advocacy for the detained Myanmar workers highlights the precarious conditions faced by migrants employed in Thailand’s fishing industry. This silence from the Thai authorities is subject to criticism.
This incident raises suspicions of whether the Myanmar military council has ulterior motives. Some view it as an effort to stir up nationalist sentiments or demonstrate its authority amid domestic instability and armed conflict. The timing, coinciding with a Thai ultimatum for Wa armed groups to vacate camps along the border, adds to speculation.
Ultimately, it remains unclear whether the military council’s actions are part of a broader strategy or a reaction to specific provocations. Regardless, this incident underscores persistent border tensions and serves as a reminder of Myanmar’s internal and external challenges.