Freshwater Runoff Strands Fish, Draws Crowds to Cha-am Beach
Heavy rainfall in Phetchaburi province caused a massive freshwater runoff into the sea at Cha-am Beach, stunning marine life and washing fish ashore along a 1.5-kilometer stretch. Hundreds of residents gathered to collect the stranded fish, which included barracuda, sea catfish, tilapia, and crustaceans. Authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause or the origin of the farmed tilapia, and warn the public against consuming fish that appear abnormal until water quality tests are completed.
Phetchaburi – A phenomenon locals call "nam bia" (freshwater runoff) occurred in the Ban Klong Tian community on Cha-am Beach in Cha-am District, Phetchaburi Province, after continuous heavy rain in the area. The large volume of freshwater flowing into the sea caused many species of marine fish to float and be washed ashore in shallow water along more than 1.5 kilometers of coastline, drawing hundreds of villagers who brought cast nets, lift nets, and seines to catch fish in a lively scene.
On October 22, 2026, particularly in the Ban Klong Tian area of Cha-am Beach, crowds of people descended onto the shore to collect fish floating on the surface and along the water's edge. Some used cast nets while others encircled fish with lift nets and dragged them ashore, netting large quantities along the entire beachfront.
Species caught included large and small barracuda, sea catfish, sea bass, as well as shrimp and crabs. Notably, tilapia weighing about 2–3 fish per kilogram were also found, attracting particular attention. Villagers speculated these might have escaped from local fish farms after flooding washed them out to sea, though no official confirmation of the tilapia's origin has been made.
The term "nam bia" refers to the situation where massive amounts of rainwater flow into the sea, especially after prolonged heavy downpours, rapidly altering the coastal environment in terms of salinity, temperature, and water quality. This can affect aquatic species that cannot adapt quickly, causing abnormal behavior, floating to the surface, or being pushed ashore by currents and waves.
However, the sheer number of stranded fish alone cannot confirm that salinity change is the sole cause. Relevant agencies need to inspect water quality and the marine environment to determine the exact cause and assess ecosystem impact.
Meanwhile, the phenomenon has attracted many people to the beach to catch fish, but the public should exercise caution when entering the water and handling aquatic animals. They should avoid touching or consuming fish that are dead or show abnormal signs until the cause is known, and follow advice from fisheries and public health authorities.
For tourism at Cha-am Beach, visitors should closely monitor announcements from local agencies, especially if abnormal water quality is detected or marine safety warnings are issued. The duration before conditions return to normal will depend on the volume of freshwater entering the sea, weather, currents, and agency inspections.
This event not only created a stir at Cha-am Beach but also reflects the potential impact on coastal ecosystems following heavy rain and runoff, requiring close monitoring for the safety of the public, tourists, and marine resources in the area.
