On May 11, tourists diving near Koh Ran Kai, a popular snorkeling destination off the coast of Chumphon Province, discovered a fishing net entangled in coral reefs, causing significant damage to marine ecosystems.
The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. when tourists visiting Koh Ran Ped and Koh Ran Kai, located roughly 13 kilometers from the shore in Pak Khlong Subdistrict, Pathio District, noticed a submerged fishing net near the reef. The net, estimated to be 30 to 40 meters in length, had become ensnared in the coral, breaking branches and damaging fragile formations including staghorn coral, orange cup coral, and sea anemones.
In response, the group used scissors to carefully remove the net and bring it ashore, in an effort to prevent further deterioration of the reef. The action followed earlier observations during the dive, which included sightings of diverse coral species and marine life often seen in the area, such as tropical fish and, on occasion, whales.
Koh Ran Ped and Koh Ran Kai are uninhabited limestone islands known for their rich underwater biodiversity and are considered prime diving sites in the Gulf of Thailand. Despite their ecological importance, they remain vulnerable to illegal fishing practices.
The following day, the Marine and Coastal Resources Office in Chumphon Province reportedly reached out to local tourism network representatives to gather details and initiate a possible investigation. Local tourism official Somchoke Phanthurat, who chairs the Community Tourism Network of Pathio District, confirmed the contact and emphasized the importance of protecting marine resources from further harm.
