Starfish: “Put me down NOW” 😳
Three Chinese tourists who disturbed a protected coral reef while diving and waved starfish at a camera for selfies are facing up to two years in jail in Thailand.
The trio – 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.
According to marine experts, rising sea temperatures and unrestrained tourism have harmed more than three-quarters of Thailand’s coral reefs.
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