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Black Bream Threatens Pattaya: Dr. Thon Explains Alien Species Invasion

Black Bream Threatens Pattaya: Dr. Thon Explains Alien Species Invasion

Khaosod•Society•17d ago

Reader Briefing

An expert warns that black snouted bream, identified as an invasive alien species, are spreading along Thailand's coastlines, posing significant ecological threats and are difficult to eradicate.

  • •Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat highlighted three stages of the black snouted bream's spread, starting from canals and moving to coastal areas like Pattaya Beach.
  • •The species is considered an alien invader, difficult to control due to its adaptability to fresh, brackish, and saltwater, and lack of natural predators.
  • •The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources is investigating the extent of the infestation and coordinating efforts to manage the threat.

Overview

  • •On May 14, 2026, Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat posted on Facebook about the black snouted bream phenomenon at Pattaya Beach.
  • •Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat explained that black snouted bream are 'three-water' fish (fresh, brackish, and saltwater), with a preference for brackish water for breeding in order to thrive.
  • •The first timeline starts with the fish dominating canals due to a lack of natural enemies, resulting in dense populations.
  • •The second timeline describes the fish moving to coastal areas like semi-closed bays with seagrass and mangrove ecosystems, impacting local biodiversity.
  • •The third timeline involves the fish spreading to open coastlines not far from canal mouths or mangrove areas, leading to ecological disruption in popular tourist spots like Pattaya.
  • •Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat warned that similar coastal areas in Thailand are likely already affected or will be, as the fish continue to expand their territory.
  • •Eradication is extremely difficult, and efforts are focused on slowing the impact and protecting remaining pristine areas like remote islands.
  • •The Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources has ordered an investigation into the spread of black snouted bream to other locations due to concerns about widespread damage.

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Key Quotes

Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat
"Pattaya-like coastlines, abundant in Thailand, will face this. It's already happening but not making news."
ชายฝั่งแบบพัทยาที่มีอยู่เยอะในไทย ก็จะโดนแบบนี้ จริงๆ ก็โดนแล้ว แต่ไม่เป็นข่าว
Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat
"Eradication is extremely difficult. Even a small canal area isn't fully cleared, let alone a vast coastline."
การกำจัดทำยากมากมาย ขนาดในคลองพื้นที่นิดเดียวยังจับไม่หมด ในทะเลชายฝั่งยาวเหยียด
Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat
"Alien species are scary for this reason. When it reaches epidemic levels, eradication is impossible; we can only manage the situation."
เอเลี่ยนสปีชีส์น่ากลัวเพราะเหตุนี้แหละ เมื่อเกิดขึ้นถึงขั้นระบาด มันหมดปัญญากำจัดทำได้แค่ประคองสถานการณ์
Director of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
"Black snouted bream are classified as invasive alien species that invade ecosystems."
ปลาหมอคางดำ จัดอยู่ในกลุ่ม Invasive alien species หรือเอเลี่ยนสปีชีส์ที่เข้ามารุกรานระบบนิเวศ

Key Entities

Person

Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat(ดร.ธรณ์ ธำรงนาวาสวัสดิ์)ℹ️
Marine and environmental academic and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, who analyzed the spread of black snouted bream.
Mr. Pinsak Suraswadi(นายปิ่นสักก์ สุรสวดี)
Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, who ordered an investigation into the black snouted bream infestation.

Place

Pattaya Beach(หาดพัทยา)ℹ️
A coastal location in Chonburi Province where a large number of black snouted bream have been observed.

Organization

Department of Marine and Coastal Resources(กรมทะเล)
A government agency responsible for monitoring and managing Thailand's marine and coastal environments.
Kasetsart University(ม.เกษตรศาสตร์)ℹ️
A leading university in Thailand where Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat serves as Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries.

Law

Invasive alien species
A classification for species that have been introduced to an environment and cause harm to ecosystems or the economy.