Source: The Phuket Gazette
March 8, 2010

Phuket, Thailand - Four residents of a Sea Gypsy community in Rawai were arrested yesterday for smuggling protected marine species.

The suspects, 34-year-old Pichit Bangjak and three minors, were arrested at 11am in a pickup truck parked along Thepkrasattri Road in Rassada, near the Phuket Highways Department Office.

A search of foam coolers in the bed of the truck uncovered 250 aquarium fish, 300 corals and 20 sea fans ready for transport in plastic bags and other types of packaging. The value of the items was estimated in excess of 200,000 baht.

To read the full text of the article, click here.