Banglamung, Chonburi– On September 27th, a significant issue arose at Wat Yan Sangwararam when a large group of fishermen set up fishing rods in the sanctuary area.
This led to the navy police seizing fishing equipment from a group of teenagers, who then disrupted the officers’ operations, raising public concerns about potential backing by influential figures. Additionally, officials discovered a middleman purchasing hundreds of kilograms of fish from the sanctuary area.
At 3:06 p.m. on October 1st, Phra Khru Wimon Phawanathorn Wi Chantha Santipanno, the abbot of Huai Yai Subdistrict and assistant abbot of Wat Sangwararam Mahaworawihan, addressed the issue. He emphasized that the reservoir is part of King Rama IX’s royal initiative project, intended for agricultural use. The project, in collaboration with the Royal Irrigation Department and local agencies, designated the reservoir as a sanctuary, prohibiting the catching of aquatic animals.
Phra Khru Wimon Phawanathorn highlighted that while villagers previously fished for a living, the sanctuary status now restricts access to aquatic animals. He urged the public to respect this restriction, noting that some individuals continue to fish illegally, even selling their catch. He appealed to the public to stop these activities, stressing the importance of preserving the lives of the fish and maintaining the sanctuary’s integrity.
Banglamung District Chief, Mr. Wikit Manarojkit, responded promptly to the complaints. He ordered an immediate inspection of the area, which falls under the Royal Irrigation Department’s jurisdiction. Mr. Wikit assured that all relevant agencies would coordinate to resolve the issue swiftly. During the inspection, officials found no wrongdoing but acknowledged the public’s concerns about the inappropriate actions of the fishermen. The villagers and those exercising in the area praised the officials for their clear and tangible measures to address the problem.
