Authorities at Kaeng Krachan National Park have arrested a Thai man accused of illegally guiding tourists to fish inside the protected area without permission. The operation was led by park chief Mongkol Chaiphakdee on 20 February 2026, following complaints about unauthorised fishing trips promoted on social media.
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Officials reported that a Facebook and TikTok page under the name “A Suk Samran” was advertising paid trips to catch snakehead and giant snakehead fish within the park. The alleged activities took place in the Ban Phu Sai area, Pong Daeng, Moo 3, Huai Mae Phriang subdistrict, Kaeng Krachan district, Phetchaburi province.
After receiving complaints, the park’s special task force investigated images and videos posted online. The inquiry identified the suspect, Mr Suk Samran, who was found living in a rented house in Ban Tha Ruea, Moo 8.
Authorities determined that he had been transporting clients by long-tail motorboat into a location locally known as Kaeng Ta Soi, within the national park boundary. Officials said he was accepting payment to guide tourists to fish without authorisation from park officers.
He was charged under the National Park Act B.E. 2562 (2019). Allegations include violating Section 19 (3), relating to luring or removing wildlife or causing harm to wildlife, punishable under Section 43 by up to five years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to 500,000 baht, or both.
Additional charges include breaching Section 19 (6), conducting activities for profit inside a national park, punishable under Section 44 by up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both. He was also charged under Section 19 (7) and Section 45 for bringing tools used for hunting or catching animals into the park.
Authorities further cited Section 20, which requires visitors to comply with official instructions and regulations of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation regarding residency or livelihood activities under the 2024 conservation programme.
Daily News reported that the suspect has been handed over to investigators at Kaeng Krachan Police Station for legal proceedings. Officials have not disclosed whether others were involved. The case highlights ongoing enforcement efforts to prevent unauthorised commercial activities in protected areas. Authorities said monitoring of online platforms will continue to identify similar violations.
Pictures courtesy of Daily News
Key Takeaways
• A man was arrested on 20 February 2026 for allegedly guiding paid fishing trips inside Kaeng Krachan National Park without permission.
• He faces multiple charges under the National Park Act B.E. 2562 (2019), with penalties including up to five years in prison and fines up to 500,000 baht.
• The suspect has been transferred to Kaeng Krachan Police Station as investigations continue.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 21 Feb 2026