Myanmar Warship Fires Warning Shots at Thai Fishing Boat in Ranong Waters.

Ranong: "Phumtham" accepts that a Myanmar warship fired at a Thai fishing boat in Ranong waters, asserting the shots were meant as a warning against border encroachment. The incident, involving a Thai fishing vessel laying a purse seine west of Koh Phayam, is under investigation as authorities await further details from the navy. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, acknowledged the occurrence, highlighting that the shots were not intended as an attack but rather as a cautionary measure. The situation reportedly caused panic among those on the fishing boat, with some crew members scattering and falling into the water. Current efforts are focused on gathering more information about the incident to clarify whether the Thai fishing boat had indeed crossed into Myanmar's territorial waters. Mr. Phumtham further mentioned that preliminary negotiations had taken place between the Thai navy and the Myanmar government. He emphasized that the initial intent was not to breach maritime boundaries, and reassured that the situation is unlikely to escalate into a diplomatic conflict. He noted that the incident had not reached a severity that would necessitate a formal warning letter between the two countries' governments.