Kata beach: Authorities are actively searching for tourists involved in the illegal spearfishing of parrotfish at Kata Beach. The incident has gained significant attention on social media, where videos show foreigners diving, spearfishing the prohibited parrotfish, playing with starfish, and taking photographs.
According to Thai News Agency, the Marine and Coastal Resources Office Region 10, Marine Resource Conservation Division, launched an investigation on the evening of May 10th following the widespread circulation of these videos and messages on social media. The parrotfish is deemed an ornamental species, and its capture or possession is illegal under current legislation. The tourists were also seen engaging with starfish, adding to the growing concern over their actions.
Local shop owners reported that on May 9, 2026, around 8:00 PM, they witnessed Chinese tourists diving to spearfish in a rocky area on the south side of Kata Beach, as depicted in the video. The tourists brought the parrotfish ashore, attracting the attention of other foreigners who took photos, which later surfaced online. Despite efforts by shop owners to intervene, the tourists continued their activities.
In response, the Karon Subdistrict Municipality plans to install signs along the beach to raise public awareness. Municipal officers will be deployed to monitor the area, and information about the legal protections for parrotfish will be distributed. Under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's regulations in Phuket Province, catching or possessing parrotfish is a criminal offense, carrying penalties of up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.