Three tourists in Thailand are facing up to two years in jail over accusations that they disturbed a protected coral reef and waved starfish at a camera for selfies.
The three – all Chinese nationals – had been on an organised diving trip from Koh Racha island close to the holiday resort Phuket.
Images of them stepping on the reef and holding the starfish emerged when they were posted by a group that monitors eco violations in Thailand.
In a Facebook post, Thai Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-Archa stated that two had admitted the crime after handing themselves into police.
The third suspect has apparently gone missing, reported local media.
To find the trio, officials worked with the tourism police, the maritime office, and the company that organised the trip.
If found guilty, the visitors could face two years in prison and a THB 200,000 (GBP 4,460) fine.
The two-month-old travel company that organised the trip apologised for the stunt.
The operator also promised to raise awareness about not interfering with marine wildlife.
Some Thai social media users lashed out at “wild Chinese tour groups.”
Others criticised diving instructors for failing to tell the guests about the rules.
In 2020 two Chinese tourists were detained for using a spear gun to catch protected ornamental fish while snorkelling in central Thailand.
And in 2019, South Korean actress Lee Yeol-eum was charged with catching endangered giant clams in a Thai national marine park for a reality TV show.
According to marine experts, rising sea temperatures and unrestrained tourism have harmed more than three-quarters of Thailand’s coral reefs.
