Mass Fish Deaths After Floodwaters Recede in Prachin Buri
Floodwaters receding in Prachin Buri left foul, stagnant water that killed large numbers of farmed red tilapia and other fish, causing losses exceeding one million baht. A black flow in the river carried dead fish from cages, while a local temple warned of possible upstream wastewater releases and began aeration efforts. Villagers have been collecting the floating fish and shrimp for food or income, but officials have not commented publicly.
At the second, more distressing site on the Prachin Buri River near Ban Tha Prachum in Sri Maha Pho district, a dense black flow carried red tilapia from floating cages, leaving them dead and drifting downstream. Fish farmer Prapasub Singhto said he had raised tilapia in 70 cages, but nearly all died before reaching market size, causing losses of at least one million baht. He rushed the remaining fish into oxygen tanks and moved them to Chonburi for temporary rearing, warning that farmers throughout the river basin would suffer similar damage. The famous Wat Pra Tum Bucha temple, known for its Luang Pho Thawesuvan landmark, posted video and clips showing numerous aquatic species gasping at the surface—large catfish up to 40–50 kg, carp, and shrimp—before dying in mats. Abbot Phra Ajarn Phrinin said the foul water stretched the entire river, suspecting illegal upstream wastewater discharge, and the temple had installed solar‑powered pumps and aerators to add oxygen and save river life. Along the riverbank, many residents gathered to scoop up the floating fish and shrimp, some using crossbows to catch larger specimens for food or sale. The Sri Maha Pho district fisheries office, which inspected the water, declined to speak with the media, saying it had already reported the incident to provincial fisheries authorities.
