Residents in Laem Bali
Hai, South Pattaya, dig for clams at the pier.
Vittaya Yoondorn
Despite Pattaya’s plentitude of markets, some
residents are digging for their own food; scooping up claims, crabs and
oysters amid the bustle at Bali Hai Pier.
Pimporm Nuanong, 43, said she tried many times to
fish at the busy harbor, but never came away with anything edible. But
looking at the shoreline, she found plenty of shells, many still with
clams and oysters inside, plus the occasional crab.
After she came home one day with five kilograms of
seafood, her neighbors joined in. Now the shoreline has a steady crowd
of Thais digging with everything from spoons to shovels to clean out any
sea life or simply shells to sell at local markets.
City officials have let the practice continue despite
concerns the throngs of hunters in search of marine life for themselves
are damaging the beachfront’s image and marine ecosystem.
Clams from the sea.
