Rawai –
A Russian man was arrested after his restaurant in Rawai was found decorated with protected corals on Friday (June 14th).
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) told the Phuket Express that they were notified from a concerned citizen that a restaurant in Rawai used corals as decorations. The DMCR, the Phuket Tourist Police, and the Chalong Police arrived at the restaurant shortly after the call.
The 46 year-old Russian man presented himself as the owner of the restaurant and the owner of the corals. Police seized 50 protected corals from the restaurant. The Phuket Express noted that officers did not reveal the name of the Russian man and the name of the restaurant.
Officers explained to the Russian man that coral has been listed as one of Thailand protected wild animals which is illegal to possess without legal permission.
He was taken to the Chalong Police Station for further legal action. The Phuket Express noted anyone who offends Section 17 in the Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act, B.E. 2562 (2019) shall be fined up to 500,000 baht or imprisoned up to five years or both.
It was not immediately clear where the man had obtained the corals from.
