Pla thu (ปลาทู) (also known as pla thu tua san (ปลาทูตัวสั้น) generally refers to the short-bodied mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma), however I also hear that it can also refer to the Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta). Is this common?

I understand that the Indian mackerel is more correctly known as:

ปลาลัง (pla lang)

ปลาทูโม่ง (pla thu mong)

ปลาโม่ง (pla mong)

ปลาโม่งลัง (pla mong lang)

Thank you for your help.

My wife tells me that different types of mackerel, including the Indian mackerel, may be used in the process of boiling and salting the fish for sale. After the processing is complete they are all referred to and sold as pla thu (ปลาทู).

Dear Pla shado,

Thank you (and your wife) very much for that information.

I understand now that PLA THU can refer to many types of mackerel. Good to have this confirmed.