CHONBURI, Thailand – A mussel farmer in Ao Udom, Sri Racha district, is seeking urgent help after two large oil tankers reportedly dragged their anchors during strong winds and waves, damaging 14 mussel farming lines and leaving him waiting for compensation.
The incident occurred on September 11 near Ao Udom Beach in Thung Sukhla subdistrict. The farmer, identified as 41-year-old Songphon Yaemphlap, later filed a complaint with Laem Chabang Police Station seeking help in identifying those responsible.
The two vessels, named Nathisawat 6900 and MT Pitsaran Bangkok, had anchored near the aquaculture area to shelter from rough weather. The farmer said their anchors shifted with the waves and dragged through his mussel farm, damaging 14 of about 40 farming lines.
Each line is approximately 200 meters long, resulting in significant damage to his farming operation and investment.
Songphon said he contacted representatives and people involved with both vessels to discuss compensation. While there initially appeared to be a willingness to take responsibility, he said subsequent negotiations made little progress, with meetings postponed and some contacts becoming unreachable. He also said the two vessel operators have disputed responsibility between themselves, leaving him without compensation.
The farmer has contacted the Marine Department and Department of Fisheries for information and assistance. However, he said the Department of Fisheries informed him that the affected area is not within an authorized aquaculture zone, preventing the department from issuing documents confirming farming rights that could be used in pursuing the case.
Songphon is now calling on relevant government agencies to investigate the incident, help coordinate with the parties involved and find a way to assist small-scale farmers affected by the damage.
