{
  "id": 5718577,
  "title": "Diving boat operators arrested off Phuket over coral damage risk",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/diving-boat-operators-arrested-off-phuket-over-coral-damage-risk",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-05T04:44:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Thaiger",
    "slug": "the-thaiger",
    "url": "https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/diving-boat-operators-arrested-phuket-coral-damage-risk"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two diving boat operators were arrested off Phuket after their vessels were found moored to mooring bases, raising concerns about potential coral reef damage. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) received an anonymous complaint about the boats remaining anchored in the same spot for several days, with their sterns tied directly to mooring buoy bases. DMCR officials inspected the area and discovered two boats utilizing the moorings in a manner that contravened marine protection regulations. The practice of tying a boat's stern directly to a mooring base could cause the base to shift due to wave and wind action, potentially scraping against the reef and causing coral damage. The DMCR was ordered to inspect the area and take action, arresting the boat operators and transferring them to Chalong Police Station for further investigation. Violations of the Marine and Coastal Resources Management Promotion Act B.E. 2558 (2015) can result in up to two years' imprisonment, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both. The DMCR emphasized the need for continued inspections and monitoring in protected marine areas, urging residents, tourists, and marine tourism operators to adhere to conservation measures and report any activities that could harm marine resources.",
  "summary": "Marine officials arrested two boat operators at Racha Yai Island in Phuket yesterday, September 4, after two diving boats were found tied to mooring bases, raising concerns about coral reef damage. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) inspected the boats at Ao Tue on Racha Yai Island after receiving a complaint from an … The story Diving boat operators arrested off Phuket over…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}