On December 5, 2024, progress was reported regarding the release of four Thai nationals detained after a Myanmar naval vessel fired on a Thai fishing boat. Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Royal Thai Army, and Navy, coordinated extensively with Myanmar authorities. The fishing boat and all detained crew, including Thai and Myanmar nationals, are being held on Myanmar's Kawthaung Island.
The Myanmar Ambassador to Thailand announced that the four Thai detainees would be released around 5:00 PM today, pending Myanmar immigration checks to determine any legal violations, such as illegal entry. If such charges exist, they will undergo processing at Pak Nam Police Station for documentation and fines.
A Thai delegation, including officials from the Thai-Myanmar Border Committee (TBC), led by the 25th Infantry Regiment, and immigration officers from Ranong province, will travel to retrieve the individuals. A single vessel from the Ranong tourism industry will be used for the mission.
The status of the seized fishing boat remains undecided, with Kawthaung authorities determining whether it will be returned alongside the detainees.