A Vietnamese fishing vessel attempting to flee after being caught intruding into Thai waters collided with the Thai Navy ship HTMS Thepa on February 25. The incident occurred in the Gulf of Thailand, near the eastern province of Trat, as Thai authorities moved to apprehend multiple vessels engaged in illegal fishing.
Vice Admiral Arpa Chapanond, Director of the Maritime Interests Protection Center Region 1, reported that several Vietnamese boats attempted to escape beyond the special economic zone. One vessel, unable to evade capture, deliberately turned its bow toward HTMS Thepa, striking the right side of the ship and causing minor damage.
Thai authorities detained four crew members and transported them to the multipurpose port in Khlong Yai district for further legal proceedings. The Royal Thai Navy has announced plans to formally notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which will coordinate with the Vietnamese government regarding the incident.
