Staff at Krabi International Airport said today that they have collected over a ton of coral and seashells that tourists have left all over the airport.
It’s been three months since security officers at the airport strictly prohibited coral and seashells on board departing planes. Therefore, tourists who brought natural keepsakes from the beach have been forced to dump their souvinirs all over the terminal.
Hmmm, three months. That’s just about how long it’s been since our favorite Chinese auntie went on this viral video rant about her countrymen stealing shells and other natural treasures from Thai beaches.
Today, airport staff handed over all the collected sea treasures to the Marine and Coastal Resources Conservation Agency.
The collected relics include giant clamshells, helmet shells, brain coral and staghorn coral. Matichon reported that the total beach booty weighed in at over 1.2 tons.
Wittaya Khunsan, the agency’s chief, said that the coral and shells are protected under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act. The authorities will find a measure to stop visitors from taking or purchasing these natural relics in order to protect the beach, sea, and resources, according to Sanook.
