The World - News from Nov. 19, 1986

Thailand has agreed to pay more than $500,000 to obtain the release of 466 fishermen arrested by Vietnam during the past year for illegally fishing in Vietnam’s waters, a Thai government spokesman said. Spokesman Mechai Viravaidhya said the money would go to pay for fines and expenses accrued while the fishermen were imprisoned. The Vietnamese also seized the boats and equipment used by the fishermen. Mechai said the Thai government asked the Vietnamese to accept payment in rice, but Hanoi insisted on cash. It was still unclear, however, when the fishermen would be freed.