Teenagers kill cherished Amazonian snakehead fish in Chanthaburi

Three teenagers, all around 15 years old, were caught after killing an Amazonian snakehead fish at an LPG gas station in Chanthaburi province. The owner, shocked by the act, expressed sadness over the loss of the fish, which he had raised for 17 years.

The incident occurred around 3am yesterday, September 2, when the teenagers arrived on two motorcycles at the LPG NRB gas station in Wang Mai, Chanthaburi. Using a fishing rod, they managed to catch the Amazonian snakehead from a pond behind the station.

They then killed the fish by striking its head with a brick. A station employee discovered them in the act, prompting the teens to flee.

After the owner reported the crime, the police received CCTV footage as evidence. Investigators from the Na Yai Am police station quickly began tracking the suspects. The three boys were apprehended shortly after, with their parents summoned to the police station for questioning. The station owner and employees identified the suspects during the investigation.

Further inquiry revealed that the teens had stolen a neighbour’s motorcycle, which had been left with the key in the ignition, to carry out the act. The parents of the boys are now negotiating with the motorcycle owner to resolve the issue.

Sukanya, a 59 year old employee at the gas station, recounted the events of the night. She explained that the boys initially requested to use the restroom.

Fish killing

Later, they asked to see the fish in the pond behind the station. Noticing their prolonged absence, Sukanya went to check and saw a fishing rod near the pond. She immediately shouted at them, accusing them of stealing the fish and threatening to call the police. The boys quickly fled the scene on their motorcycles.

The following morning, Sukanya inspected the area by the pond and found a fishing rod. To her dismay, she discovered the body of the Amazonian snakehead fish, which bore signs of being struck on the head, with blood splattered around. She promptly informed the station owner about the situation.

The owner revealed that he had four Amazonian snakehead fish, or arapaima, in the pond. The fish that was killed had been in his care for 17 years and had an estimated market value of 60,000 to 70,000 baht (US$1,750 to 2,040), reported KhaoSod.

However, to the owner, the fish held significant sentimental value, making its loss devastating. He expressed his wish that the boys had simply asked for the fish instead of resorting to violence.