Cambodian navy detains Thai fishing boat amid maritime tensions

2026-02-16 - 10:26

TRAT — The Royal Cambodian Navy has detained a Thai fishing vessel in waters off Koh Kong province, according to a security source, amid heightened tensions along the maritime border. The source said the vessel was taken under control at about 16:25 on 14 February 2026 by a Cambodian naval maritime patrol unit in the area of Pak Khlong commune, Mondul Seima district, Koh Kong Province. The operation was reportedly carried out by Koh Yor patrol unit under the Koh Kong Offshore Defence Division No. 2 of the Cambodian navy. The vessel was identified as “Kor Chok Burapha”, registration number 6564-01785, owned and captained by Boonyang Ketkaew. Initial reports said the boat was carrying goods described as originating from Samut Sakhon Province. It had departed from Por Kasemsiri pier in Ban Khlong Son, Hat Lek subdistrict, Khlong Yai district, Trat Province, before being detained in Cambodian waters. Authorities are verifying details regarding the cargo and the vessel’s route. The incident follows recent maritime tensions near Koh Kut. Between 12 and 13 February, the Royal Thai Navy reportedly pushed back about 25 to 30 Cambodian fishing boats from Thai waters near the island. Security assessments suggest the detention of the Thai vessel may have been a local counter-measure following Thailand’s stricter enforcement actions earlier in the week. However, there has been no official confirmation from either government regarding such an assessment. Security agencies are coordinating through the Thai–Cambodian local border committee mechanism to verify the safety of the crew and the exact location where the vessel is being held.