Mass Fish Deaths Strike Koh Libong Shoreline
Mass fish deaths along Ko Libong's Ban Lang Khao beach in Trang are attributed to sudden sea temperature changes, not a tsunami threat, though decaying carcasses raise odor concerns.
On October 20, 2026, media reported a mass mortality event of marine fish at Koh Libong, Trang Province's largest island, particularly along the Ban Lang Khao shoreline in Moo 5, Koh Libong Subdistrict, Kantang District. Species affected include grouper and parrotfish that normally inhabit coral reef slopes. The carcasses have begun emitting a strong stench after two days with no agency arriving to collect and dispose of them. This area previously experienced coral bleaching in May due to global warming, though the reef had recently shown signs of recovery before this new die-off, causing alarm among some locals who feared an impending tsunami. Jittaphol Tananusorn, a resort owner, Trang sea tour operator, and administrator of the 'Libong..Khae Long Ma' page, stated the event is likely due to a sudden shift in sea temperature or La Niña conditions, is isolated to Koh Libong, and is not a tsunami indicator. He urged the public not to panic excessively.
