At 4:00 PM on June 16 in Koh Rai Subdistrict, Ban Pho District, Chachoengsao Province, 78-year-old local resident Mr. Supot Rattanakunlachorn reported that he has been setting fish traps daily in the Khlong Koh Don and Khlong Khwaeng Klan canals. For over a month, his traps have consistently caught around 5-6 black-spotted climbing perch (Pla Mor Khang Dam) per day. He does not sell or cook the fish but instead boils them to feed his cats.
Mr. Supot noted that while his catch of desired fish has declined, black-spotted climbing perch have become more prevalent, suggesting a possible outbreak in the area's canal system. No government agencies have yet come to inspect the situation.
Additionally, reporters noted that black-spotted climbing perch had previously infested areas in Bang Krachet Subdistrict, Bang Khla District (left bank of the Bang Pakong River) in mid-2024, and were also seen in the New Cut Canal along Old Sukhumvit Road (Route 3) in Song Khlong Subdistrict, Bang Pakong District (right bank of the river).
This new canal connects drainage from the upper Chao Phraya Basin to the sea and links with other waterways in Khlong Dan Subdistrict, Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province, and the Bang Pakong River basin — potentially facilitating the spread of the invasive species.