Marine Life Washes Ashore in Cha-am Following 'Nam Biad' Phenomenon
Heavy rainfall in Phetchaburi has triggered a natural phenomenon known as 'Nam Biad,' causing marine life to wash up along a 1.5-kilometer stretch of Cha-am beach.
On October 22, 2026, a natural event locally referred to as 'Nam Biad' occurred at Ban Khlong Thian beach in Cha-am, Phetchaburi. Following a period of sustained heavy rainfall, a significant volume of freshwater flowed into the sea, altering the coastal environment and causing various marine species to surface and wash ashore along a 1.5-kilometer stretch of the coastline.
In response, hundreds of local residents gathered at the beach to collect the fish, using nets and other equipment. The catch included various species such as mullet, sea catfish, rabbitfish, shrimp, and crabs. Notably, tilapia were also found among the catch, leading to speculation that they may have escaped from local aquaculture ponds affected by recent flooding, though this remains unconfirmed by official sources.
For residents and travelers, this phenomenon highlights the immediate impact of heavy seasonal rainfall on coastal ecosystems. While the event has drawn crowds of locals, visitors should be aware that the sudden influx of freshwater can temporarily change water conditions. As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding the origin of the tilapia found in the area, and the long-term environmental impact of this specific 'Nam Biad' event is still being observed.
