Rare coral reef wrecked by thieves in Prachuap national park

Alerted by the Ban Pak Klong marine conservation group, officials from Ao Siam National Park went to inspect the coral reef colony off Koh Talu Bang in Saphan Noi district.

They found more than 60 per cent of the staghorn coral had been destroyed or damaged. Path Intarapairoj, incoming Ao Siam National Park chief, said they are now seeking the culprit.

The coral was planted as part of a conservation project.

Staghorn coral is a protected species under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act 2019. Those caught stealing staghorn coral for sale face punishment of up to 10 years in jail and/or a fine of up to Bt1 million. Anyone causing severe damage to this precious marine resource can be jailed for up to a year and/or fined Bt100,000.

Ao Siam National Park officers have filed a police report in their bid to catch the culprit.