Songkhla: Fishermen brought over 70 long-tail boats to block the mouth of Songkhla Bay after officials launched an operation to dismantle illegal fishing gear, hoping to restore the waterway and preserve the marine ecosystem.

According to Thai News Agency, officials from multiple units have been working together to dismantle illegal fishing gear in Songkhla Lake, from Hua Phaya Nak to the new fishing pier in Mueang Songkhla District, continuously since last night. The operation is systematic, with data collection and coordinates to be followed up. A total of 13 rows, totaling 159 fishing tackle, have been dismantled, in accordance with orders to clear the waterway. All poles and equipment have been loaded onto a Royal Thai Navy ship, which will be dismantled as evidence for legal proceedings.

While officials were dismantling illegal fishing nets in the lake area, a group of fishermen brought out more than 70 long-tail boats to obstruct the operation. Some of the boats were carrying weapons and verbally abusing the officials. However, the officials continued to operate peacefully and adhere to the law to avoid violence.

At approximately 8:45 a.m., a group of fishermen moved their boats to blockade vessels operating at the site where the pontoons were being dismantled. Officials then slowed down their operations to avoid confrontation. However, all 70 long-tailed boats continued to block shipping routes in the lake and along the coast, preventing commercial vessels from unloading goods. This immediately halted the transport of aquatic animals, significantly impacting trade and damaging the province’s economy.

Civil society networks in Songkhla Province, while supporting the removal of fishing equipment, believe it is discriminatory and likely aimed at appeasing capital groups, commercial fishing boats, and cargo ships. They urge Songkhla Province to enforce the law regarding the removal of the numerous fishing equipment in Songkhla Lake to ensure uniform standards. They also call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, acting Prime Minister, to investigate the inequitable application of the law.