Two Indonesian boats were seized by the Thai navy over illegal fishing in territorial waters.

The two trawlers were intercepted by the HTMS Longlom corvette some 80 nautical miles southwest of Phuket on May 19.

Eighteen suspects onboard were arrested. Both ships were taken to the Thap Lamu Pier on May 20.

The operation followed complaints from a local fishing network about the foreign vessels sailing in Thailand's Exclusive Economic Zone on May 15.

Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakun, chief of 3rd Naval Area Command, said he ordered an immediate investigation to track down the trawlers.
The mission was carried out as part of the government's campaign targetting illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and maritime threats.

All 18 Indonesian crew members were taken into custody at the Chalong Police Station for further legal action.

The two fishing boats were being held at the Royal Thai Navy Third Area along Phuket's eastern coast pending legal proceedings.