The First Naval Area Command, together with Maritime Security Center Region 1, seized an "oil tanker" in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand. The vessel showed signs of evading the law by not displaying its name, registration number, or national flag. Five illegal migrant workers from Myanmar and Cambodia were detained. Authorities are conducting strict checks on potential connections to the transport of military supplies to neighboring countries.
On 30 Dec 2025, Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiphan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, disclosed that the First Naval Area Command, in coordination with Maritime Security Center Region 1, apprehended a Thai-flagged oil tanker violating the law in the Gulf of Thailand. The vessel was suspected of evading regulations and possibly involved in the illegal transport of fuel and military supplies to Cambodia, threatening national security and maritime interests.
This operation was conducted under the "Jakrapong Phuwanart" strategic order to protect Thailand's maritime sovereignty. On 27 Dec 2025, the patrol ship Prachuap Khiri Khan from the Gulf of Thailand Patrol Unit, while on duty in the Gulf, detected a suspicious vessel about 50 nautical miles south of Koh Samet. The ship did not display its name, registration number, or national flag, and its Automatic Identification System (AIS) was not activated. The vessel was escorted to Juk Samet Pier at Sattahip Naval Base for legal processing.
Preliminary investigations revealed violations under the Thai Navigation Act B.E. 2456 (1913) and the Alien Work Management Act B.E. 2560 (2017). Five illegal migrant workers were found onboard: one from Myanmar and four from Cambodia. The transport of fuel is believed to be linked to the smuggling of military supplies to neighboring countries. The case is under ongoing investigation to thoroughly prosecute all involved parties.
The Royal Thai Navy confirms that the First Naval Area Command, Maritime Security Center Region 1, and related agencies will intensify inspections, interception, and prevention of vessels suspected of smuggling oil and military supplies to neighboring countries. This comes as regional security remains sensitive, emphasizing the protection of Thailand's maritime sovereignty, security, and national interests to the highest degree.
