Koi Fish Cafe in Chon Buri Shut Down for Health Regulation Breaches

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On Saturday, the Department of Health announced the closure of a unique koi fish cafe in Chon Buri, popular for allowing customers to dine while interacting with koi fish. Health authorities cited concerns over potential health risks to both patrons and the ornamental fish due to public health regulation violations.

 

Dr. Thiti Sawaengtham, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, stated that a thorough investigation was launched by Health Centre Region 6 in Chon Buri, in collaboration with local officials from the Chon Buri Provincial Health Office, Sriracha District Health Office, and Bang Phra Municipality.

 

The cafe, which spanned a compact 4x4 metre area, featured a tiled floor filled with 15 to 20 centimetres of water housing the koi fish. Patrons had to wash their feet with potassium permanganate mixed with water before entering. The area accommodated four tables with 12 seats and included amenities such as an air-conditioning unit, three water filtration points, and a ventilation system. Wastewater was processed through an underground filtration system.

 

Inspections revealed that the cafe was operating without the necessary permits and did not meet the Ministry of Public Health’s 2018 hygiene standards for food establishments. Concerns were raised about potential contaminants or pathogens being transmitted through the koi fish.

 

 

The cafe also violated the 1992 Public Health Act by running without a permit for food service and storage, not adhering to hygiene standards, and lacking a license for activities considered hazardous to health, like placing animals near food services.

 

Dr. Suthat Chaiyos, director of Health Centre Region 6, announced that the cafe must close immediately and remain shut until it secures all required permits. The owner has a seven-day window to submit the necessary applications.

 

The Department of Health is urging local health officials to inspect similar businesses in the area to ensure compliance with public health regulations.

 

Photo: The Thaiger

 

-- 2024-11-26