TRAT — Thai authorities intercepted three Cambodian fishing boats in Khlong Yai district early Wednesday, seizing nearly two tonnes of frozen crab and detaining six crew members, officials said.
The operation unfolded at Khlong Yai Multipurpose Pier around 08:30, after naval patrols stopped the vessels between 21:00 and 22:00 on Tuesday night. One 15-metre boat was found carrying 66 foam boxes of frozen crab meat, weighing a total of 1,650–1,980 kilogrammes, while two other vessels, each about 45 gross tonnes, were preparing to collect goods from the Thai shore for transport back to Cambodia.
The suspects, aged 48 and 63, admitted to being hired for 1,000 baht per trip. The 48-year-old operator said he followed light signals from the Thai shore to navigate and cited financial hardship and his child’s schooling as reasons for taking part in the smuggling. The 63-year-old admitted making similar trips 4–5 times, transporting construction materials and clothing under cover of night due to limited employment opportunities.
Rear Adm. Wuttichat Ratcharattanarak, deputy director of the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre in Trat, said patrols have been intensified within 12 nautical miles of the coast following the permanent closure of border checkpoints. Authorities used advanced tracking technology to identify and intercept the vessels, preventing illegal shipments of food, fuel, and other supplies from crossing the maritime border.
He urged local operators to prioritise national security over personal gain, warning that supporting illegal cross-border activities could ultimately harm the country.
