BANGKOK, Thailand — Thai environmental police arrested a Bangkok man, 33-year-old Chitipat, on December 24 for allegedly selling protected coral and sea anemones online. Authorities seized more than 200 marine specimens during a raid on his residence in Soi Phetkasem 77, Nong Khaem district.
The arrest was carried out by the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, in coordination with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). Chitipat faces charges for trading and possessing protected wildlife without permission under Thai law.
Investigators began the probe after discovering online advertisements offering coral for sale in public social media groups. Coral, an invertebrate species with a declining population, is classified as a protected marine animal under Thai legislation and cannot be privately owned or sold.
Following surveillance and evidence collection, authorities obtained a court warrant to search Chitipat’s property. Officers found live coral, sea anemones, and coral remains, totaling 245 items. The ecological and financial impact of the illegal possession could not be quantified, according to investigators.
Chitipat reportedly confessed during questioning and was handed over to authorities for further legal proceedings. All seized coral and marine specimens were transferred to the DMCR for conservation and care.
In related news, environmental teams are assessing coral damage caused by a Myanmar-flagged cargo ship that ran aground in Mu Koh Surin National Park, Phang Nga. Surveys identified staghorn coral (Acropora spp), Porites rus, blue coral (Heliopora sp), and boulder coral (Porites lutea) as the most affected species.
