Mass Fish Kill in Prachuap Canal After Toxic Waste Spill
Hundreds of thousands of fish died in a Prachuap Khiri Khan canal after toxic waste—likely from distillery overflow or illegal dumping—depleted oxygen levels to zero, triggering major cleanup operations and 24-hour surveillance to catch off
An environmental disaster has unfolded in Khlong Nong Saeng (Chuat Bodhi) affecting villages 3–7 in Tambon Kok Thai, Sri Muesat District, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The water has turned black, emanating a foul stench with strong chemical odors, and hundreds of thousands of fish and aquatic animals are floating dead along the banks. Lab analysis revealed dissolved oxygen levels at zero. Governor Weeraphun Dee-on and Deputy Governor Chanatip Kok Manee have mobilized a coordinated team including local administration, military units, disaster prevention centers, village leaders, and residents to conduct major cleanup operations, extracting decomposing fish and pumping contaminated water to designated holding areas for scientific treatment. Investigators have identified two primary suspects: distillery waste overflow from farmers allegedly dumping fermentation residue in agricultural land at a scale of 30–40 pickup truckloads that spilled into the canal during heavy rain; and possible illegal dumping by industrial operators using trucks to transport hazardous waste from outside the area through remote, unmonitored routes. Deputy Governor Chanatip coordinated with Congressman Amnat Weerawat and environmental officials to conduct detailed water sampling and chemical analysis. Officials have ordered 24-hour surveillance patrols to prevent further illegal dumping and vowed to prosecute offenders under industrial and environmental laws with maximum penalties including imprisonment and fines.
