Kai Natcha led People's Party MPs from three provinces to present canned fish tapes to the media at parliament, noting that the fish resembled black chin tilapia and questioned why small Nile tilapia were used, emphasizing close monitoring of this matter.
At 14:30 on 6 May 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Natcha Boonchaiinsawat, a party-list member of parliament from the People's Party. He led MPs from Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, and Samut Songkhram provinces of the People's Party to hold a press conference at the parliament building regarding the discovery of irregular canned fish as reported. Consumers bought canned fish labeled as sardines but found a different fish species inside. Investigations and widespread social media criticism questioned what the actual fish species were, focusing on two main points.
1. The fish in question closely resembled black chin tilapia, but visual confirmation was inconclusive because both fish species look similar. Black chin tilapia have a distinctive black band on the chin, which requires detailed examination.
2. Consumer protection concerns arise if the fish species labeled do not match reality; in such cases, the manufacturer must face legal proceedings.
A greater concern is the fish species because many canned fish factories are located in areas where black chin tilapia are prevalent, such as Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, and nearby provinces. It is important to clarify that black chin tilapia are not prohibited for consumption or processing, but they are currently classified as a controlled species. Catching, transporting, or processing them requires legal permission.
Therefore, if problem-solving or utilization is to proceed, clear announcements and supporting measures should be established. Recently, the Department of Fisheries clarified that the fish found were Nile tilapia, verified through inspection. However, doubts remain about the verification process, such as whether DNA comparison was used, the criteria for confirming fish species, and why producers chose small-sized Nile tilapia. Typically, Nile tilapia farming focuses on larger, more valuable sizes. The fish found measured approximately 2–3 inches, similar in size to black chin tilapia caught locally, which increases public suspicion.
Moving forward, MPs from affected areas such as Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, and Samut Songkhram will closely monitor this issue because it impacts business operators who comply with regulations and the confidence of consumers questioning product standards. Fair treatment for compliant producers is necessary, alongside urgent investigation and action against offenders. The government and relevant agencies are urged to quickly resolve the issue, ensure transparency, and restore consumer and business confidence.
