Bang Pakong:Large numbers of Chinese carp in the Bang Pakong River surprised a villager when they jumped onto his boat while he was hauling bamboo for raft building in preparation for the Loy Krathong festival. The incident is believed to have been caused by fish seeking refuge from the rising tide in search of oxygen.
According to Thai News Agency, a video captured by Mr. Sawang Phawana on October 7, 1969, shows the remarkable event. While navigating near the twin towers in Moo 13, Bang Pakong Subdistrict, Chachoengsao Province, his boat was suddenly swarmed by a school of Chinese carp leaping out of the river. As it was low tide, the boat was avoiding sand barges when the fish jumped aboard, prompting those on the boat to quickly gather them into buckets.
Mr. Sawang noted that the fish likely sought oxygen as they jumped to the surface, with not only Chinese carp but also pangasius, Mekong giant catfish, and sea bass being spotted. These fish had reportedly escaped from fish ponds into the river.
Ms. Arunrat Phumcharoen, District Chief of Bang Pakong, along with other local officials, inspected the river's condition. They found the current to be particularly strong at the estuary's mouth, and experienced the fish jumping onto their boat firsthand. This unusual occurrence has attracted local villagers to fish in the river, with traders offering to buy the Chinese carp at 5 baht per kilogram.
The district chief mentioned plans to propose using water-pushing boats to help accelerate the outflow of water during low tide, but this requires coordination with relevant authorities.