PATTAYA, Thailand – A lively and unusual nighttime scene unfolded at Naklua Beach in Pattaya as tourists and local residents gathered to collect shellfish after the sea level dropped significantly during low tide, January 7.
At around midnight, reporters observed crowds bringing everyday tools such as spoons, ladles, baskets, and plastic buckets to scour the sandy shoreline for shellfish. The activity created a festive and energetic atmosphere along the Naklua coastline, drawing attention from passersby and beachgoers.
Several tourists said they decided to join in after seeing social media posts showing the receding seawater and large numbers of people successfully collecting shellfish. Encouraged by what they saw online, they brought their equipment and walked out onto the exposed seabed to dig for shellfish buried beneath the sand.
The harvest proved worthwhile, with many participants collecting sizable quantities. Most of the shellfish found were short-neck clams, cockles, and sweet clams, measuring between 1 and 2.5 centimeters, an ideal size for cooking. Popular preparation methods included stir-frying, boiling, or blanching, depending on personal preference. Many said the activity helped save on household food costs while also providing fresh seafood.
Local residents explained that collecting cockles and clams is done by digging about 4–5 centimeters into the sand using a spoon or ladle, where the shellfish are typically buried. Both small and large shells can be found using this method. Common dishes prepared from the catch include chili paste stir-fry, spicy basil stir-fry, and simple blanched shellfish served with dipping sauce.
The impromptu shellfish hunt highlighted not only the natural abundance revealed during low tide but also how social media can quickly turn a natural phenomenon into a shared community experience, bringing tourists and locals together along Pattaya’s northern beaches.
