The navy is monitoring the activities of Cambodian fishing vessels after more than 20 trawlers encroached on Thai waters amid concerns they could be used for military purposes.
Cdr Nattakit Sawaengphon, attached to the navy’s Gulf of Thailand protection task force based in Trat, said more than 20 Cambodian fishing boats had recently been detected in Thai waters.
He said the increased activities have raised concerns about whether they are genuine fishing vessels or are used by Cambodian authorities for military purposes.
The navy has also intercepted Cambodian vessels which entered Thai waters to collect seafood for transport to Cambodia and seized their cargo, he said.
The task force has deployed 12 patrol vessels, led by HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan, to monitor Thai waters following the closure of land border checkpoints.
