Thai Naval Forces Detain Cambodian Fishing Boat and Four Fishermen in Cambodian Waters

Thai Naval Forces Detain Cambodian Fishing Boat and Four Fishermen in Cambodian Waters

Koh Kong, 6 January 2026 — Thai naval forces have illegally entered Cambodia’s maritime territory and seized a Cambodian fishing vessel along with four Cambodian fishermen, according to reports from local maritime authorities.

At approximately 11:30 a.m. on 6 January 2026, Thai naval units reportedly crossed into Cambodian waters near Koh Kong Province and detained a Cambodian fishing boat operating lawfully within national maritime boundaries. The incident occurred at coordinates N11.33.30 – E102.51.39, approximately six nautical miles from Koh Yor Island, located in Pak Khlang Commune, Mondul Seima District, Koh Kong Province.

The seized vessel was a single trawler fishing boat with 190-HP capacity, owned by a Cambodian citizen and conducting routine fishing activities near the owner’s residence at the time of interception.

According to Cambodian maritime border authorities, the four detained fishermen are:

1. Mr. Ti Cheun, male, 48, resident of Village 3, Pak Khlang Commune, Mondul Seima District, Koh Kong Province — boat owner and captain;
2. Mr. Nop Kimheng, male, 17, resident of Kampot Province — crew member;
3. Mr. Kong Barang, male, 42, resident of Kampot Province — crew member;
4. One unidentified male, approximately 55 years old.

Authorities confirmed that the boat and all four Cambodian nationals were taken by Thai naval forces into Thai territory.

This incident raises serious concerns regarding violations of Cambodia’s sovereignty and maritime rights, and comes amid heightened sensitivity along Cambodia–Thailand borders. Cambodian authorities are closely monitoring the situation and addressing the matter through appropriate diplomatic and border coordination mechanisms.