The Thai Government has successfully secured the release of 4 Thai fishing crew members who have been held in captivity by Somali pirates for almost 5 years. The crew members were accompanied by government officials on their safe return to Thailand by flight KQ 860 on 28 February 2015 at 12.30 hrs.  

 

The crew members comprising Mr. Channarong Nawara, Mr. Kosol Duangmakerd, Mr. Ton Wiyasing and Mr. Thanakon Kaeokamkong were on board the fishing vessel Prantalay 12 belonging to P.T. Inter Fishery Company when it was captured by Somali pirates on 18 April 2010. The crew was held captive for 4 years and 10 months.

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The achievement was a result of concerted efforts under the current government which gives high priority to the well-being of all Thai people, wherever they are and in any circumstance. Soon after the government took office in September 2014, the Prime Minister has been very concerned and gave importance to helping the Thai crew members. He tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the main agency to coordinate the assistance measures with other concerned agencies. The close and diligent coordination between the Ministry, national security agencies, the Royal Thai Embassy in Nairobi and the United Nations as well as other concerned agencies ultimately led to the successful release of the crew members

 

Upon their release, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other national security agencies traveled to Kenya to facilitate their return home to Thailand and provided preliminary medical checkups.    

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After their arrival, the crew members called on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at Government House to express their gratitude for the assistance. General Tanasak Patimapragorn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Police General Peera Poompichet, Secretary to the Minister of Social Development and Human Security, and other civil and military officials were also in attendance.

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with other relevant authorities such as the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and security agencies will hereafter provide medical care to all the crew members and arrange for their return to their respective hometowns. The concerned agencies will assist in the relief and rehabilitation process as well as the welfare of the crew members and their families.