Video Report: Phuket officials angered by illegal fishing at King’s Park

PHUKET: Phuket City officials are calling on the public to notify officers immediately of any illegal fishing carried out at Suan Luang Park (also called Chalermprakiat Ror IX Park or King’s Park) in Phuket Town.

The call for public assistance follows a video posted on Facebook showing several people illegally fishing at one of the park’s ponds.

“Anyone who sees people fishing at the park should report it to officials as soon as possible,” said Tawatchai Tongmung, Chief Administrative Officer at Phuket City Municipality.

“No one is allowed to fish at Suan Luang.”

Mr Tawatchai pointed out that the culprits caught on video were too quick for officers to notice during their routine patrols.

“They took only five minutes to lure the fish, cast their net and run away,” he told the Phuket Gazette.

“We have officers patrolling the park, but it is a huge area with many ponds. We don’t have enough officers to stand guard over all the ponds all the time.”

The penalty for fishing in the park is a fine of up to 1,000 baht, Mr Tawatchai said.

“But there will be additional charges if anyone caught resists arrest,” he warned.

“We need your help,” Mr Tawatchai said. “If you see anyone fishing at the park, tell one of our officers as soon as possible. They are easy to recognize; they wear brown uniforms.”

— Saran Mitrarat