Kawthoung:Thailand A tsunami detection buoy, which had drifted into Myanmar waters, has been successfully returned to Thailand. The buoy had initially escaped from its installation site in the Andaman Sea in early August.

According to Thai News Agency, the recovery operation was led by Mr. Prasong Thammapala, Director of the National Disaster Warning Center (NDWC), and his team, along with the Ranong Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office. The officials traveled to Kawthoung Province in Myanmar, where the buoy had been retrieved by the Myanmar navy. They were greeted by Myanmar officials, including Colonel Nay Sae Htay, Commander of the Kawthoung Strategic Command.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) alerted the Royal Thai Navy about the buoy's detachment. A coordinated search effort was conducted with various agencies and fishing networks in both Thailand and Myanmar. The buoy's location was confirmed by a military unit on Koh Yan Chek, Kawthoung District, Myanmar, leading to successful negotiations for its return. The operation benefitted from the strong diplomatic relations between Thailand and Myanmar, ensuring smooth cooperation.

Thailand operates two tsunami detection buoys, one in the Andaman Sea and another in the Indian Ocean. The buoy in question, from the Andaman Sea, was tracked and will undergo maintenance before being reinstalled.