Chonburi — Residents found many dead fish beneath the Ratchanawi Bridge at Laem Tan, emitting a strong foul smell. Fish sellers pointed out that fishing boats using encircling nets caught fish beyond the permitted amount and discarded the excess into the sea. They confirmed that Bang Saen beach remains safe for swimming as usual, while the exact cause awaits inspection by relevant authorities.
At 11:00 a.m. on 8 November 2026, reporters visited the area under the Ratchanawi Bridge (Laem Tan), Saen Suk Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chonburi, after reports of many dead fish floating in the sea and washed ashore, emitting a foul odor. Additionally, various seashell fragments were found scattered under the bridge, blown together by the wind.
Mr. Sanchai Boonpraves, 60, a fish seller near the Ratchanawi Bridge, showed reporters the numerous dead fish carcasses scattered in the area.
Reporters then checked Bang Saen beach, where tourists were still swimming and relaxing as usual. Initially, no dead fish carcasses were found washed ashore. However, if wind directions change, floating fish carcasses could be blown onto the beach.
Mr. Sanchai explained that the dead fish at Laem Tan resulted from fishing boats using encircling nets. When they catch more fish than they can carry onboard, they discard the excess back into the sea. Most of these are small goatfish and mullet, which have little market value or sell poorly. Sometimes they are used as chicken feed. A similar incident occurred last week at Bang Saen beach.
Regarding online rumors that the fish deaths were caused by water pollution or marine contamination, Mr. Sanchai insisted that based on his experience, the cause was fishing boats discarding excess catch to avoid overloading the vessel.
Mr. Sanchai added that such events typically occur during the seasonal change to winter, when fish gather in groups, increasing the chance of seeing floating fish carcasses. He confirmed that Bang Saen beach remains safe for swimming and tourism, with no signs of water pollution.
However, the true cause of the fish deaths still requires investigation by relevant authorities, who will collect water and fish samples to verify the facts.