Seven Thai fishermen have been detained by the Malaysian navy for illegally fishing in Malaysian waters off central Pahang state, a senior officer said today.

The seven, aged between 17 and 31 from the Thai province of Songkhla, were detained on Tuesday by navy personnel after a 45-minute chase, the Malaysian navy's boat commanding officer Roslee Mohamad Isa was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.

The crew of the fishing boat had attempted to flee when they saw a navy vessel approaching them, he said, adding that they had neither travel documents nor a licence to fish. - AFP