Police investigate Chinese tourists over parrotfish spearfishing at Kata
The investigation was launched at 6:30pm on Sunday (May 10) after a social media post alleged that a group of foreigners, believed to be Chinese tourists, were seen diving at night and using spearguns to catch…
Police in Phuket are investigating reports that a group of foreigners believed to be Chinese tourists used spearguns to catch parrotfish near Kata Beach, triggering a response on Sunday evening, May 10. The investigation began at 6:30pm after a social media post alleged the group had been diving at night and taking protected fish from waters off Kata.
According to the Marine and Coastal Resources Office Region 10, the group reportedly brought the fish ashore near the beachfront by Ska Bar. Other foreign visitors were seen gathering there to watch and take photographs, officials said.
About 20 officers inspected the southern end of Kata Beach
A joint team of about 20 officers inspected the southern end of Kata Beach after the complaint. The operation involved the Marine and Coastal Resources Office Region 10, Marine Police Division 8, Tourist Police Division 2, the Marine Resource Conservation Division, Forest Police, the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division and Karon Municipality.
Officials also said the social media post alleged several starfish were taken from the water so tourists could handle them.
The owner of Ska Bar told officers he saw a group of Chinese tourists spearfishing in the rocky area in front of the venue at about 8pm on Saturday, May 9. He said they ignored warnings to stop.
Karon officials plan signs and more patrols
The bar owner asked authorities to install warning signs and step up patrols, saying the southern end of Kata Bay is relatively isolated and difficult to monitor.
Karon Municipality agreed to put up informational signs along the beach and carry out regular patrols. Karon Police will also increase monitoring in the area.
Authorities said parrotfish are protected under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s 2024 environmental protection measures for Phuket. Section 10(7) prohibits catching or possessing parrotfish from the Scaridae family, with penalties under the 1992 environmental law of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to B100,000, or both.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/police-hunt-chinese-tourists-over-parrotfish-spearfishing-at-kata-100200.php
