Reel trouble: Anglers cause turmoil at Chon Buri sanctuary

A major row erupted at Wat Yan Sangwararam in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, when a large group of fishermen brazenly set up their rods in the sacred sanctuary area. The incident, which took place on September 27th, prompted the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to swoop in and seize fishing equipment from a group of teenagers.

But the drama didn’t end there. The teenagers disrupted the officers’ operations, stoking public fears that they might have the backing of some influential figures. The audacious antics at the temple have left everyone wondering who’s pulling the strings behind this fishy business.

Officials also discovered a middleman purchasing hundreds of kilogrammes of fish from the sanctuary area, further complicating the situation. Phra Khru Wimon Phawanathorn Wi Chantha Santipanno, the abbot of Huai Yai subdistrict and assistant abbot of Wat Sangwararam Mahaworawihan, addressed the issue at 3.06pm yesterday, October 1.

The abbot emphasised that the reservoir is part of King Rama IX’s royal initiative project, intended for agricultural use. This project, in collaboration with the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) and local agencies, designated the reservoir as a sanctuary, prohibiting the catching of aquatic animals.

Phra Khru Wimon Phawanathorn explained that while villagers previously relied on fishing for their livelihood, the sanctuary status now restricts access to aquatic animals. He urged the public to respect this restriction, noting that some individuals continue to fish illegally and even sell their catch.

He appealed to the public to stop these activities, stressing the importance of preserving the lives of the fish and maintaining the sanctuary’s integrity.

Bang Lamung District Chief Wikit Manarojkit responded promptly to the complaints by ordering an immediate inspection of the area, which falls under the RID’s jurisdiction. Wikit assured that all relevant agencies would coordinate to resolve the issue swiftly.

During the inspection, officials found no wrongdoing but acknowledged the public’s concerns about the inappropriate actions of the fishermen.

Villagers and those exercising in the area praised the officials for their clear and tangible measures to address the problem.

Officials are now tasked with balancing the need to enforce sanctuary regulations with the livelihood concerns of local villagers, reported Pattaya News.