Trat: Strict inspections are being conducted on ships in the eastern Gulf of Thailand to prevent the smuggling of energy and military equipment to Cambodia. The Maritime Security Command Region 1 has tasked the Maritime Security Command in Trat Province with intensifying inspections in the region, scrutinizing over 30 tugboats, barges, and commercial vessels to thwart these activities.
According to Thai News Agency, on December 28, 2025, the Maritime Security Center Region 1 directed the Trat Maritime Security Center to enforce the National Security Council's resolution concerning the oversight of the eastern Gulf of Thailand, particularly focusing on the transportation of energy products and military equipment to Cambodia. This led to increased inspections of goods entering the Gulf of Thailand.
Collaborating with relevant agencies such as the Border Patrol Boat Division, Laem Ngob Marine Police Station, Trat Regional Port Authority, Trat Customs, and Trat Area Excise Office, an extensive inspection was carried out between December 24-28, 2025. This involved monitoring groups of tugboats and cargo vessels departing from Laem Chabang Port and anchored south of Koh Chang, Trat Province.
The inspection identified 28 tugboats and cargo vessels transporting goods from Bangkok, including 5 tugboats and 23 cargo vessels. All vessels were anchored in the area for safety.
Further inspections were conducted on December 27-28, 2025, by the Maritime Security Command Center in Trat Province, focusing on five tugboats and cargo vessels that had traveled from Si Racha District. While sailing near Koh Kood, the crew became aware of the fighting situation along the Thai-Cambodian border and decided to anchor for safety reasons.
The ship has been anchored in Bang Bao Bay, Koh Chang Tai Subdistrict, Koh Chang District, Trat Province since December 10, 2025, with no plans to enter Cambodia until the fighting subsides. The crew has been informed about the border conflict and potential dangers, and advised to exercise caution to avoid inadvertently entering risky zones.