Phuket steps up Kata Beach patrols after tourists spear protected parrotfish

Authorities increased inspections at Kata Beach in Phuket after a group of Chinese tourists were seen illegally spearing protected parrotfish, officials said on Monday, a day after agencies checked the area in tambon Karon, Muang district. The action followed widely shared online images showing the group posing with their catch.

Incident unfolded near Phuket Ska Bar

The spearfishing took place south of Phuket Ska Bar on Saturday night. The bar owner said the men were seen about 8pm diving and spearing parrotfish from the rocky shoreline.

They later displayed the fish on the beach, drawing a crowd of onlookers who photographed the catch and posted the images online. The bar owner said he warned the fishermen not to do it, but they ignored him.

No further details about the group were available, and they have not been seen again.

Officials cite protected-species law and penalties

Marine and Coastal Resources Office 10 and other agencies have been speaking with businesses, shop owners and beachgoers to explain the law protecting parrotfish. Officials also said warning signs would be installed and inspections would become more frequent to prevent a repeat.

Parrotfish, classified in the family Scaridae, are coral eaters and appear on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment list of protected species. Capturing or possessing them is prohibited, with penalties of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.

A similar case drew attention in 2022, when a Dutch man was arrested for illegally catching parrotfish in the waters of Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park in Krabi after a TikTok video of him spearfishing triggered public outrage.

Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3253209/tourists-seen-illegally-spearing-parrotfish-off-phuket-beach