Myanmar Pardons Four Thai Fishermen Arrested in November

The Myanmar government has pardoned four Thai fishermen who were arrested in November last year, following continued diplomatic efforts by Thailand to secure their release.

Pardon Announcement

On Thursday, Myanmar’s military junta announced the pardon for Virot Saphanthong Na Nakhon, Sunam Mongkutton, and two others identified only by their first names, Sonpong and Thavor. The order, signed by State Administration Council (SAC) Secretary General Aung Lin Dwe, was later shared on social media platform X by Sunai Phasuk of Human Rights Watch Thailand.

Thai Government Welcomes the Decision

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra welcomed the news in a post on X, following an update from Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.

“I am very pleased after being informed by the foreign minister on March 27 that the Myanmar government had granted a pardon to four Thai fishing crew members based on good relations between Thailand and Myanmar,” Ms. Paetongtarn wrote.

Mr. Sunai also expressed gratitude to Thailand’s Foreign Ministry for its role in negotiating their release.

Release and Deportation

The four fishermen had been imprisoned in Kawthaung, across from Thailand’s Ranong province. Three Filipino detainees at the same prison also received pardons. They are expected to be deported soon, as the order specifies their expulsion on humanitarian grounds and in recognition of bilateral ties.

Background of the Arrest

The Thai fishermen were detained on November 30 after their boats allegedly intruded into disputed waters. The incident escalated when Myanmar patrol boats opened fire on the trawlers, leading one crew member to jump into the sea, where he tragically lost his life.

Earlier this year, on January 4, Myanmar released 151 Thai prisoners. Upon their return to Thailand, authorities screened them to determine whether they were victims of deception or had been involved in illegal activities such as online gambling and call center scams.