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Termsak, Chalermpalanupap; Iba-ez, Mayla --- "ASEAN measures in combating piracy and other maritime crimes" [2012] ELECD 1075; in Beckman, Robert; Roach, Ashley J. (eds), "Piracy and International Maritime Crimes in ASEAN" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2012) 139

Book Title: Piracy and International Maritime Crimes in ASEAN

Editor(s): Beckman, Robert; Roach, Ashley J.

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781781006849

Section: Chapter 6

Section Title: ASEAN measures in combating piracy and other maritime crimes

Author(s): Termsak, Chalermpalanupap; Iba-ez, Mayla

Number of pages: 26

Abstract/Description:

For the period of 2006–2010, it was reported that there were 339 actual incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Southeast Asia. Although incidents in the region were less violent than elsewhere and were mostly opportunistic in nature (cash, personal property and belongings of the crew were stolen), it bears noting that the numbers have increased. In 2010, 98 actual incidents and 21 attempted incidents reportedly occurred, signifying an increase of 65 per cent from the previous year – the highest number of incidents for the five-year period. Significantly within the region, three tugboats were also hijacked which were later recovered after prompt response and cooperation of law enforcement authorities in the region. The increasing number of incidents in the region, the increasing risks to crew members and the transnational nature of the crimes all point to the need for concerted efforts among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states to combat maritime crimes effectively. Presently, ASEAN member states deal with piracy and other maritime crimes as primarily a national law enforcement issue (trilaterally to a limited extent in the case of Straits of Malacca and Singapore). In addition, ASEAN member states appear to have different levels of interest and policy approaches towards piracy.