Chonburi, March 20, 2025 – Today, as the tide receded between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, more than 100 villagers, mostly families, descended upon the shores of Na Kluea Beach stretching to Krating Lai Beach—a distance of over 3.5 kilometers—in Na Kluea Subdistrict. Armed with spoons, ladles, baskets, and plastic buckets, they eagerly scoured the sand for “hoi krapuk” (short-neck clams) and “hoi talap” (another local clam variety), turning the low-tide shoreline into a bustling scene of activity. The crowd included elderly residents, adults, and children alike.
Locals shared that the method for finding these clams is simple yet effective. Using a spoon or ladle, they dig 4-5 centimeters into the sand, uncovering clams buried beneath. The clams come in various sizes—smaller ones measure about 2-4 centimeters, while larger ones reach 5-7 centimeters. During this season, villagers report collecting several kilograms daily, with some even managing to gather up to 20 kilograms, filling a 20-liter bucket to the brim.
Mr. Kittikorn Suebsai, a 45-year-old resident of Pong Subdistrict, told reporters that this is the prime season for clam hunting. Today, he and his family collected 10 kilograms. “We’ll eat them ourselves,” he said. “We soak the clams in saltwater to let them expel the sand, then cook them. Our favorite dishes are stir-fried basil with clams and boiled clams dipped in spicy seafood sauce.”
Another villager, Aunt Pen, who traveled from Koh Pho in Koh Chan District, explained that she came specifically to gather these clams for her family. “They’re easy to find and delicious to cook,” she said. Her planned dishes include stir-fried clams with chili paste, stir-fried basil, and boiled clams with dipping sauce.
The lively scene along the beaches highlights a cherished local tradition, bringing families together to enjoy both the hunt and the tasty rewards of their efforts.
