Illegal online coral trade leads to arrest in Bangkok

Chattarin SiradakulPublished: December 24, 2025, 4:29 PM

79 1 minute read

Illegal online coral trade leads to arrest in Bangkok | Thaiger — Photo via Thairath

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Thai environmental police arrested a 33-year-old man named Chitipat in Bangkok for allegedly selling protected coral and sea anemones online, following a search that uncovered over 200 marine specimens.
The investigation began after officers found online advertisements for coral sales, leading to surveillance and the identification of Chitipat as the suspect, resulting in a court-approved arrest.
Coral is classified as a protected marine animal under Thai law due to its declining population, making its possession and trade illegal without permission.
All seized specimens were transferred to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources for conservation, while Chitipat confessed to the charges and faces further legal proceedings.

Thai environmental police arrested a Bangkok man today, December 24, for allegedly selling protected coral and sea anemones online, after officers uncovered more than 200 marine specimens at a residential property in the capital.

The arrest took place after officers from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, working alongside officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), enforced an arrest and search warrant at a house in Soi Phetkasem 77 in Bangkok’s Nong Khaem district.

The suspect, 33 year old Chitipat, was taken into custody on charges of trading and possessing protected wildlife without permission under Thai law.

Police said the investigation began after officers discovered online advertisements openly offering coral for sale in public social media groups. Coral is classified as a protected marine animal under Thai legislation, as it is an invertebrate species whose population has been steadily declining and is therefore prohibited from private possession or commercial trade.

Following surveillance and evidence gathering, investigators identified the seller, Chitipat, as the suspect and obtained court approval to proceed with the arrest. A search of the property revealed live coral, sea anemones and coral remains being kept inside the house, with a total of 245 items seized.

Investigators said the financial damage caused by the illegal possession could not be assessed, given the ecological significance of the specimens, reported Thairath.

During questioning, Chitipat reportedly confessed to the offences and was handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings, while all seized coral and marine specimens were transferred to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources for appropriate care and conservation measures.

In related news, efforts are underway to refloat a Myanmar-flagged cargo ship that ran aground on a coral reef in Mu Koh Surin National Park, Phang Nga. An environmental team has evaluated the coral damage through photo quadrat surveys along a 42-metre section marked by coral scraping. Staghorn coral (Acropora spp) has been identified as the most affected, followed by Porites rus, blue coral (Heliopora sp), and boulder coral (Porites lutea).

Thaiger QUIZ

Coral and Sea Anemone Trade in Thailand

Answer the quiz. Tap Next to go to the next question.

1/10

1. What was the main reason for the arrest of Chitipat?

A Selling illegal drugs B Selling protected coral and sea anemones C Possessing firearms D Trespassing on private property
2. How many marine specimens were uncovered at Chitipat's property?

A 100 B 150 C 200 D 245
3. Under which Thai law was Chitipat charged?

A Wildlife Protection Act B Marine Conservation Act C Environmental Protection Act D Trade and Commerce Act
4. Where did the arrest take place?

A Bangkok's Nong Khaem district B Soi Phetkasem 77 C Mu Koh Surin National Park D Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
5. What action did the police take after discovering online advertisements for coral?

A Ignored them B Conducted a search warrant C Informed local businesses D Closed the social media groups
6. What type of coral was identified as the most affected by the grounding of a cargo ship?

A Boulder coral B Staghorn coral C Blue coral D Porites rus
7. What did investigators do with the seized coral and marine specimens?

A Sold them B Returned them to Chitipat C Transferred them for care and conservation D Destroyed them
8. What was the ecological status of coral according to Thai legislation?

A It is a common species B It is a protected marine animal C It is an invasive species D It is a farmed species
9. What was the role of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division?

A To sell coral B To enforce the law C To conduct research D To manage marine resources
10. What type of ship ran aground on a coral reef in Mu Koh Surin National Park?

A Thai-flagged cargo ship B Myanmar-flagged cargo ship C Fishing vessel D Cruise ship