Military sources have confirmed that the naval base commander in Kawthaung, Tanintharyi Region, has been accepting bribes of 200,000 Thai Baht per vessel to release illegal fishing boats operated by military-affiliated civilian militia groups. The incident came to light when two vessels were discovered illegally harvesting shellfish in the waters east of Kyaung Family area in Kawthaung Township on May 9th at 10 PM. Investigation revealed these vessels were operating under permits issued by the military council-affiliated Hanthawaddy Reconstruction Party and Mon Peace Group.
According to local sources, the Zathatkyi Naval Base Commander in Kawthaung has permitted four illegal shellfish harvesting vessels to operate in the Nga Lone Tan waters near Ma Pu Tin village, collecting 200,000 Thai Baht per vessel in bribes. The vessels are owned by Ko Htun, Ma Nan Zaw Min, and Kyaw Kyaw. These boats reportedly harvest approximately 10 tons of shellfish daily, which are sold for 1 million Thai Baht through Ma Nan, who manages the sales operations.
Since the military coup, the Kawthaung Naval Base Headquarters has been accepting bribes to permit illegal fishing operations, drug trafficking, and illegal trade routes. Sources indicate that senior military officers at the Kawthaung Naval Base have amassed significant wealth through these illegal permissions and bribes. These unauthorized activities not only harm the interests of local communities but also result in the loss of natural resources for the nation. The systematic corruption within the naval base has enabled a network of illegal operations that continues to operate with impunity under the military council’s authority.
