Fishing boats that are suspended in Thailand are likely to enter Myeik Archipelago, which could harm local businesses, Taninthayi Region Chief Minister Dr Lei Lei Maw. I’ve heard news that fishing boats from Thailand may enter the Myanmar waters. I don’t want to reveal the exact route here. But local business people may get hurt from this, said Dr Lei Lei Maw. Due to an EU ban, many Thai fishing boats cannot operate. Thailand has nearly 5,000 vessels, and Mahachai alone has over 1,000. Thet Soe, secretary of the Taninthayi Region Fisheries Federation, said: The fishing boats may enter Myanmar via the Ranong-Myeik route. We still haven’t spotted any foreign boats yet. The navy forces need to tighten the security. The Fishery Department has stopped issuing licenses, so the new boats cannot be legal. Our organisation is non-governmental, so we can’t take action. The authorities have to take strict measures. Currently, there is no sight of any illegal fishing boats entering Myanmar through Ranong. Many boats docked at the bridges are banned by the state for being undisciplined, according to an official of the Looking Forward Company. Thai fishing vessels faced a similar situation in 1962, when marine species were scarce. They entered Myanmar illegally around 1988.
2016, Eleven Myanmar.