Crime Two Myanmar Nationals Arrested for Illegal Giant Clam Harvesting off Koh Phangan

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Two Myanmar men have been arrested for illegally harvesting endangered giant clams in the waters off Koh Phangan, as authorities seized a significant number of the protected marine species.

 

Mr. Waiyawut Santivichaya, head of the Koh Tao Marine Fisheries Protection Unit under the Songkhla Marine Fisheries Suppression Centre, dispatched a team led by fisheries officer Mr. Chaowalit Iadmee. The operation, conducted in coordination with local fisheries officials and community leaders, targeted individuals suspected of engaging in illegal fishing activities in the Chaloklum Bay area of Koh Tao Subdistrict.

 

The officers apprehended two male foreign nationals of Myanmar origin, who had been diving to collect Tridacna gigas, commonly known as giant clams, a protected and visually striking marine species. A total of 24 clams were confiscated as evidence.

 

Both suspects face charges under the Fisheries Act B.E. 2558 (2015) and its amendment in B.E. 2560 (2017), specifically violating Section 66, with penalties prescribed under Section 145. The men were handed over to Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal proceedings, recorded as Criminal Case No. 197/2568 and Seized Items Log No. 75/2568.

 

Koh Tao subdistrict chief, Mr. Kobchai Saowaluk, commented that enforcement efforts against illegal clam harvesting have long been in place. He noted that in earlier years, offenders were typically fined between 20,000–30,000 baht per clam, but current penalties have risen sharply to around 40,000 baht per clam, reflecting the growing urgency to protect these species.

 

Giant clams are renowned for their vivid colours and patterned flesh, which can include vibrant blues and tiger-striped textures, traits that make them a target for poaching despite their protected status.

 

The arrests have sparked widespread public reaction on Koh Phangan, particularly on local social media pages. Comments ranged from concerns about environmental destruction to calls for stricter penalties, blacklisting from re-entry into Thailand and immediate deportation of offenders.

 

One popular comment read: “Koh Phangan will be barren if these Burmese keep harvesting giant clams. They must face harsher punishment, blacklist them permanently.”

 

Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting endangered marine life and upholding the law in collaboration with local communities.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-06.