Four Thai fishermen, who were convicted of “illegal” fishing in Myanmar territorial waters on Nov. 30, were released from their detention in Kawthaung Township of Tanintharyi Region and deported to Thailand on Thursday. 

Regime secretary Aung Lin Dwe told media that the four Thais were granted clemency, citing bilateral relations and humanitarian factors. Kawthaung is located 408 miles (656 km) south of the Tanintharyi Region capital Dawei.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra shared on social media that the decision was based on the “strong” relations between Bangkok and Naypyidaw, calling Min Aung Hlaing’s regime the “Myanmar government.” 

Four Thais and 27 Myanmar nationals were arrested in 15 fishing boats after allegedly “encroaching” into Myanmar territorial waters on Nov. 30. Bangkok stated that one Thai fisherman died while attempting to evade arrest by the Myanmar Navy, which was denied by Naypyidaw on Dec. 2.

The four Thais were handed suspended sentences by a regime court. The 27 Myanmar crew members were sentenced to one year each in prison.

The release of the four Thai fishermen took place on March 27 which is Armed Forces Day – and ahead of the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit, which is in Bangkok April 2-4. 

Min Aung Hlaing was reportedly invited and is expected to attend the event. If so, this would be the regime leader’s first official visit to Thailand since the 2021 military coup.

Founded in Bangkok in 1997, BIMSTEC includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal and Thailand. It aims to connect countries around the Bay of Bengal to promote economic growth, trade, and cooperation in areas like transportation, energy and counter-terrorism.