The actions of a foreign tourist while diving in Thailand led to a scandal. During the dive, he touched the shark’s tail, which caused a flurry of indignation among local residents and divers. The authorities fined the foreigner a large amount, reports Тhe Тhaiger.
According to the portal, a foreign tourist, through an agency, went with a group to dive in Mu Ko Surin National Park in the southern province of Phang Nga. During the dive, they met a whale shark, which is especially protected in the kingdom, as its population has been greatly reduced due to poachers. The man touched the shark’s tail, and this moment was caught on video.
After the video of the dive was published on social networks, local residents and the diving community raised a wave of indignation. Many criticized the diving staff and instructors for their negligence in allowing a person to touch the whale shark. In their opinion, such actions can harm both marine life and the diver.
The representative of the travel agency had to justify himself to the public.
“The diving trainer warned all tourists in advance not to touch the inhabitants of the underwater world. However, the foreign tourist ignored the warning. In turn, we immediately reported the incident to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). As a result, the authorities imposed the tourist will be fined,” said Suparat Thoncharoenphong, a spokeswoman for the travel agency that organizes the diving.
According to Article 16 of the law, hunting or any act that harms protected animals may result in imprisonment of up to four years and/or a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both.