THAILAND protested to Myanmar today after a fisherman drowned following an attack on Thai fishing vessels by the neighbouring nation’s navy.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said that two others had been injured and dozens detained during Saturday’s attack, in which a Burmese warship fired on 15 boats.

Myanmar claimed that the fishing boats had intruded into its territorial waters.

The Thai Defence Ministry had earlier confirmed that the vessels were inside Myanmar’s waters near Thailand’s southern province of Ranong, but Ms Shinawatra later questioned the allegation.

Initial reports indicated that the boats had been taken into Myanmar waters.

“It’s inconclusive,” she said, adding: “We don’t support violence whatever the circumstances.”

She said that Thailand was seeking more details of the incident and a quick release of four nationals who were among the 31 fishermen detained by Myanmar.

Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said a letter protesting at the use of force had been sent to Myanmar, demanding clarification of what happened and the rapid return of those detained.

Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said he would meet Myanmar’s ambassador tomorrow.

The fisherman’s death was by drowning, according to officials. Of those who were injured, one was hit by gunfire and the other was electrocuted.

Twenty-seven Burmese crew members were among those arrested and are being investigated by their authorities, officials said.

A formal protest was also lodged by the Thai-Myanmar Maritime Border Fisheries Co-ordination Centre and the Thai-Myanmar Local Border Committee.