Authorities investigate spearfishing of protected parrotfish at Kata Beach

Authorities are investigating after Chinese tourists were reported spearfishing a protected parrotfish at Kata Beach in Phuket, prompting a multi-agency response and new enforcement steps. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources said the case, which spread widely on social media, involved an alleged illegal catch in a protected coastal zone.

Multi-agency inspection at Kata headland

On May 10 at about 6:30 p.m., officials from the DMCR’s 10th Regional Office inspected the southern headland of Kata Beach near Phuket Ska Bar. They were joined by Phuket Marine Police, Tourist Police, the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, and Karon Municipality officers.

Preliminary findings showed the group had spearfished along the rocky reef and then displayed the parrotfish on the beach, officials said. The fish measured under 50 centimeters.

Protected-species rules and enforcement measures

Under a 2024 Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment regulation covering Phuket’s coastal zones, the capture or possession of parrotfish is banned. Violators face up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both under Section 100 of the National Environmental Quality Promotion and Preservation Act 1992.

Karon Municipality and partner agencies are installing warning signs along the beachfront and increasing patrols by municipal officers and police. Officials said parrotfish are important to coral reef health and marine biodiversity.

Authorities are also urging reports of any captured parrotfish or possession of the species through the Forest Protection Hotline at 1362, which operates 24 hours a day.

Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/05/11/update-authorities-investigate-after-chinese-tourists-spearfish-parrotfish-at-phuket-beach/