Chinese Tourists Accused of Spearfishing Protected Parrotfish at Kata Beach
Phuket, Thailand A group of Chinese tourists has sparked outrage after allegedly night diving and spearfishing parrotfish, a protected species, at Kata Beach in Phuket, according to local media reports. The incident…
Chinese tourists were accused of night diving and spearfishing protected parrotfish at Kata Beach in Phuket on May 9, according to local media reports and posts shared on Facebook. The allegation triggered a wave of criticism online after images of the catch circulated on Thai social media.
One report said a Russian tourist passing by asked to hold one of the speared parrotfish for a selfie, adding to the backlash. The incident also fed renewed online calls for tighter controls under Thailand’s current visa-free entry scheme.
Protected species central to reef health
Parrotfish, known in Thai as pla nok kaew, play a key role in coral reef ecosystems. They help control algae growth and produce sand by grinding coral, a process that supports reef balance.
Thai law protects marine species in coastal waters including around Phuket. Harming or harvesting protected species can bring fines and possible jail time, officials have said in similar cases.
Social media pressure grows for official action
Thai netizens called for authorities to investigate and take action over the alleged spearfishing. The case drew wider attention because Phuket has faced repeated incidents involving visitors and protected marine life, including earlier cases of coral damage and spearfishing.
No official statement had been issued on this specific case. In previous incidents of environmental violations, authorities have made arrests, imposed fines and filed charges under conservation laws.
Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/05/10/chinese-tourists-accused-of-spearfishing-protected-parrotfish-at-phukets-kata-beach/
