Italians, Thais and Burmese arrested for illegally fishing in Phang Nga national park

Two Italians, three Thais and a Burmese man were caught allegedly fishing illegally in the Mu Koh Similan National Park area off the Phang Nga coast on Thursday. Private fishing is illegal inside the marine national park area.

Ruamsin Manajongjaroen, the head of Mu Koh Similan National Park, said officers were notified that the boat had been spotted catching fish near Koh Yuyong or “Island 1” inside the park area.

Italians, Thais and Burmese arrested for illegally fishing in Phang Nga national park
The speedboat “Nikola” was located in the national park area. Onboard, officials allegedly found 46.5 kilograms of fish along with 29 fishing rods and other fishing equipment.

The fish and seized items, including the boat, were valued at around Bt2.107 million.

Italians, Thais and Burmese arrested for illegally fishing in Phang Nga national park
Six people have been arrested including two Italians, Claudio Bonfatti and Mario Vincenzo Biccai, both 70 years old. The three Thais arrested were the boat captain, 35-year-old Prasert Klasueak; 35-year-old Prasert Guansamrong, a tour crew for the fishing company; and 52-year-old Wichart Damyod. A Burmese boat crew member was also arrested.
They were all taken to Kura Buri Police Station in Phang Nga for further legal action.