Trat: The Maritime Security Command (MSC) of Trat Province, in collaboration with a special investigation team from MSC Region 1, led by Lieutenant Commander Wuttichat Ratcharattanarak, successfully intercepted a Cambodian vessel involved in smuggling operations. The team utilized the MSC 5702 rubber boat to patrol the waters near Hat Lek Subdistrict on the Thai-Cambodian border, where they encountered the vessel moving towards Thai waters and subsequently ordered it to dock for inspection.

According to Thai News Agency, a thorough search of the vessel uncovered over 60 large styrofoam boxes filled with frozen lamb and seafood. The Cambodian vessel was escorted to the Thai shore for further investigation. During the return journey, two additional empty Cambodian vessels were encountered and ordered to dock. Inspections revealed no illegal items, and the crew, all Cambodian nationals, stated their intention to return to Thai shore to collect food products at a port in Hat Lek subdistrict. All three vessels, along with the six suspects, were escorted to the multipurpose bridge in Khlong Yai district for further proceedings.

Lieutenant Commander Wuttichat Ratcharattanarak highlighted the ongoing efforts to monitor and curb smuggling operations between Thailand and Cambodia. The special investigation unit from MSC Region 1 has been vigilantly overseeing the area, deploying personnel for regular inspections. In this operation, they successfully seized frozen peeled crab meat intended for sale to traders on the Thai side, although the specific vessel designated for unloading was not disclosed.