Spearfishing in Thailand: the rules.

Short answer

Yes, spearfishing is legal in Thailand. But not everywhere, not every species, and not every season.

Where it is allowed

Open coastal and offshore waters that are not inside a designated national marine park. This covers most of Koh Samui's east and south coasts, much of the Gulf of Thailand outside the national parks, parts of the Andaman coast outside the Similan and Surin systems, and most bluewater beyond park boundaries.

Where it is not allowed

Any waters inside a designated Thai national marine park. This is enforced under the National Parks Act. Entering a park with a loaded speargun is an offence even if you intend to dive elsewhere. Penalties include fines, gear confiscation, and in serious cases jail.

Major marine parks to know

• Ang Thong Marine Park — west of Koh Samui, off-limits
• Koh Tao / Koh Nang Yuan — parts fall under the Mu Ko Chumphon marine area, check boundaries locally
• Similan Islands — entire archipelago closed to spearfishing year-round
• Surin Islands — same as Similan, fully closed
• Hat Chao Mai (Trang) — closed
• Mu Ko Lanta — closed
• Koh Phi Phi — most of the archipelago is inside Hat Noppharat Thara marine park

Seasonal closures

The Similan and Surin systems typically close to all tourism from mid May to mid October due to monsoon weather. Andaman conditions in general turn difficult from June onward. Best spearfishing season runs November to April.

Species

No Thai-specific published species list exists for spearfishing. In practice, target common reef fish and pelagics. Avoid clearly protected species: turtles, sharks (most species protected or effectively protected), rays in marine parks, napoleon wrasse, and anything that looks like it might be an endangered grouper.

Common legal targets

• Grouper species (non-endangered)
• Snapper (mangrove snapper, red snapper, emperor)
• Trevally (GT is regulated and often inside parks, verify)
• Tuna (yellowfin, dogtooth in bluewater)
• Wahoo
• Cobia
• Mahi mahi
• Spanish mackerel

Scuba plus speargun: no

Spearfishing on scuba is explicitly prohibited. It is a freediving sport in Thailand, as in most jurisdictions. Dive schools that combine the two are not operating legally.

Other practical rules

• Carry your speargun unloaded when travelling by road or boat through park waters
• Fly a dive flag from your boat or float while shooting
• Respect local fisherfolk and established fishing grounds
• Do not sell your catch to restaurants (recreational only)

Enforcement

Park rangers check boats and shorelines. A visible speargun or float inside park waters is enough to be questioned. The safest approach is to research your launch point and dive zone, carry a printed map of park boundaries, and turn back if conditions or location are unclear.

Questions?

WhatsApp is easiest. +66 (0) 80 535 2528.