Phuket increases Kata Beach patrols after tourists spear parrotfish
PHUKET — 11 May 2026, Authorities have increased patrols at Kata Beach after foreign tourists were reportedly seen spearfishing protected parrotfish and handling starfish in a marine conservation area. Officials from…
Authorities increased patrols at Kata Beach on May 11, 2026, after foreign tourists were reportedly seen spearfishing protected parrotfish and handling starfish in a marine conservation area in Phuket. The operation involved the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, led by Naret Chuphueng, alongside Phuket Marine Police Division 8 and Phuket Tourist Police Division 2.
Agencies join enforcement at Kata Beach
Forestry officials also joined the patrol effort, according to the report, widening the response beyond marine enforcement units.
The action followed reports of prohibited activity involving protected marine life inside a conservation zone, prompting authorities to tighten monitoring at the beach.
Officials identified the fish involved as parrotfish, which are protected, and said the reported conduct also included handling starfish.
The report did not provide further operational details beyond the agency presence and the increased patrols ordered on May 11, 2026.
Source: https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2026/05/11/phuket-tightens-patrols-after-foreign-tourists-spear-parrotfish/
