Japanese Coast Guard Arrests Illegal Thai Workers for Lobster Poaching

Four Thai technician trainees have been arrested by Japanese Coast Guard officers in Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture, for the illegal poaching of spiny lobsters. This incident has sparked extensive online discussion especially among the Thai community in Japan, with many users criticizing the trainees for ignoring location warnings, potentially harming the reputation of Thai workers in the country.

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Authorities had been surveilling the area following reports of illegal nighttime fishing activities. The arrests occurred at a pier, where officers found the suspects engaged in poaching with fishing gear. The suspects attempted to flee when approached but were quickly caught, with nine spiny lobsters weighing a total of 1.6 kilograms discovered in their possession.

Some Japanese social media users have called for the deportation of the trainees, bringing attention to Japan's trainee programs and their possible link to crime. The accused initially denied the poaching allegations, claiming that the lobsters were for personal consumption. However, some reportedly discarded their evidence into the water during pursuit.

Legal proceedings are ongoing, with potential prosecution leading to deportation on the table. The offense carries a hefty maximum fine of 1 million yen. The spot has been notorious for similar poaching incidents, with past arrests revealing sales intent due to the high market value of spiny lobsters.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 29 May 2026