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Bangkok Post News (24/12/98)



Burma faces protest over killing of sailors.

Navy steps up sea and air patrols

Thailand yesterday strongly protested to Burma over an incident in which
two Thai sailors were killed in a firefight with an unidentified fishing
boat in Ranong last Saturday. 
The decision came as the situation along the border with Burma in the
southern coastal province has become tense after the Navy stepped up air
and sea patrol following the fighting.
Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan had directed the ministry to send a protest
letter to the Burmese embassy expressing concern about the used of force in
Thai territorial waters, ministry spokesman Kobsak Chutikul said.
Burmese Ambassador Hla Maung would be summoned to explain to incident,
which also damaged a Thai naval patrol vessel, to Deputy Foreign Permanent
Secretary Savanit Kongsiri today, he added.
In what was seen as  a serious diplomatic action, the ministry said in the
letter that it expressed grave concern over the use of force in the
incident that "seriously affects relations" between the two countries.
It "strongly urged" the Burmese government "to investigate the matter,
compensate for the loss of lives and damage to the Thai naval vessel and
take appropriate measures to prevent a recurrence."
The fighting broke out when a Navy patrol boat went to investigate reports
that an unidentified craft was fishing in Thai areas.
The mystery boat fired machine guns after the crew of the patrol boat
signalled their intention to board, killing two Thai seamen. The boat
retreated into Burmese waters.
Following the incident, Adm Sompop Purieej, commander of the Third Fleet,
ordered that sea and air patrols be stepped up.
Source said about six Burmese patrol boats had also been sighted in the area.
Banchong Wipakkit-anan, chairman of the Ranong Fisheries Association, said
that during the past three months Thai fishing boats had been  searched and
arrested by Burmese patrol boats.
A petition has been submitted to the governor, the Foreign Ministry and the
Defence Ministry, he said.
Governor Songwut Ngammisee said the problem derived from the fact that Thai
and Burmese authorities hold different maps. As a result both Thailand
Burma have laid claims to same islands such as Koh Khan. Koh Khi Nok and
Koh Lao.
A Navy source said Supreme Commander Gen Mongkol Ampornpisit will tomorrow
fly to Ranong to observe the situation.
 ......................