Thai Navy seizes Cambodian fishing boat in waters near Koh Chang
Photo courtesy of Khaosod English
Thai Navy patrol boat Tor 996 intercepted a Cambodian fishing vessel operating illegally in Thai waters off Khlong Yai district in Trat province yesterday morning.
The arrest happened at 10:00 AM on February 22 at coordinates latitude 11°31.51' North and longitude 102°53.40' East — that's in the waters between the Thai mainland and Cambodia, not far from where ferries run to Koh Chang.
Three Cambodian crew members were detained along with their vessel, according to Royal Thai Navy Region 1 officials.
What this means for travelers
This happened in the same general area where tourist boats and ferries operate between the mainland and Thailand's eastern islands. The Thai Navy regularly patrols these waters — it's standard maritime security, especially near the Cambodian border.
If you're taking ferries to Koh Chang or other eastern islands from Laem Ngop pier, you might occasionally see Navy patrol boats. That's normal border security, not anything to worry about.
The fishing violation itself doesn't affect tourist boat routes or ferry schedules. These incidents are pretty routine — illegal fishing boats from neighboring countries get caught in Thai waters regularly, and the Navy handles it through standard procedures.
Ferry routes still running normally
Ferries from Trat to Koh Chang and other eastern islands continue on their regular schedules. The incident happened in open water, not near any tourist piers or popular diving/snorkeling spots.
The coordinates put this seizure well offshore from the main tourist areas around Khlong Yai and the ferry departure points.
For travelers heading to the eastern islands, this is just background maritime enforcement — nothing that changes your travel plans or affects tourist boat operations.
Source: Khaosod English
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Source: Navy Region 1 seizes Cambodian fishing boat in Thai waters
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