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The Nation / Asia News Network
BANGKOK – Two foreigners, a Hungarian and a Dutchman, were arrested for collecting sea animals on Koh Pha Ngan, Surat Thani, to take selfies and a video and post them on social media, a move that drew widespread criticism from netizens.
“We located the suspects and identified them as Attila Ott, a Hungarian citizen, and Francesco Simonetti, from the Netherlands,” said the director general of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Sophon Thongdee. “Ott is a dive instructor and owner of the Pink Panther Scuba Dive Club on Koh Pha Ngan, while Simonetti is a chef at Il Barracuda Restaurant & BBQ, also on Koh Pha Ngan.”
The two reportedly confessed to taking photographs and recording video with marine animals at Salad Beach in Koh Pha Ngan and posting them on the internet.
“Salad Beach is a protected area, which makes their actions punishable by a maximum fine of 100,000 Bt or one year in prison, or both,” Sophon said.
Officials also investigated the suspects’ travel history and fined Simonetti for failing to notify immigration officials within 24 hours of the address change. Meanwhile, Kritiyaporn Khamsing, Ott’s wife, was also fined for failing to notify immigration officials 24 hours after taking in an immigrant who was allowed to stay in Thailand temporarily, ”he said.
“If you find violators of marine and coastal resources, please contact the 1310 call center immediately,” Sophon urged the public.
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