Bangkok: "Natcha" led Pheu Thai MPs to sample canned fish in front of the media, only to find the fish didn't match the description and had large bones. "Natcha" led PAD MPs to taste canned fish in front of the media. After opening the can and pouring it out, they found the fish didn't match the description - it contained large bones. She criticized the Department of Fisheries, questioning whether they used FishAI to verify the fish's origin (tilapia). She also suspected the production plant was located in an area affected by the black-chinned tilapia infestation and requested that universities conduct parallel testing with the government.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Natcha Boonchaiinsawas, a party-list MP, along with other MPs from the People's Party, held a press conference regarding a Facebook page's suspicion that canned fish, labeled as mackerel or sardines, contained a different type of fish upon opening. Prior to the press conference, Mr. Natcha presented two cans of a different brand of canned fish, randomly purchased from Samut Sakhon province. The cans were labeled as sardines, but upon pouring, contained a different type of fish. However, he clarified that the canned fish used in this test was a different brand from the one mentioned in the news.

Mr. Natcha stated that it was revealed that canned fish was purchased with labels indicating mackerel or sardines, but upon opening the can, a different type of fish was found. He said that if the Department of Fisheries' application had been operational sooner, photos could have been taken and the information would have been displayed. However, over time, there has been an investigation and a social media uproar regarding the identity of the fish. Two questions arose: Was it tilapia, given its overall composition, or was it black-chinned gourami? This could not be determined simply by looking, as the heads of the fish in the can had been removed. Tilapia and black-chinned gourami are very similar in appearance, differing mainly in the black band on the cheeks of the black-chinned gourami. If the heads were removed and the belly gutted, it would be impossible to distinguish between tilapia and black-chinned gourami.

Mr. Natcha further stated that regarding consumer protection, the legal processes that companies producing such products must follow are a matter of concern. However, what is worrying is the fish species, as it is undeniable that the production facilities in those areas are infested with black-chinned tilapia. He clarified that he wasn't saying black-chinned tilapia is dangerous, inedible, or unsuitable for processing, but that any action to address the black-chinned tilapia problem should include clear regulations and supporting measures. Even if there are processes in place to illegally import or process the fish, it is still against the law because black-chinned tilapia is a protected species; its movement and processing without permission are prohibited.

Mr. Natcha stated that this is a worrying issue because while we have measures in place to address this problem, we lack a method to completely eradicate the black-chinned tilapia. He questioned why the areas surrounding canned fish factories, regardless of the brand, are consistently the primary hotspots for black-chinned tilapia infestations. Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram provinces are among the top areas with black-chinned tilapia outbreaks, yet no corrective measures or improvements have been implemented. He also mentioned the discovery of other species in processed seafood products, stating that this issue warrants further discussion. He noted that the Department of Fisheries announced that the fish, after verification, is Nile tilapia. However, a Department of Fisheries expert stated earlier that the DNA comparison method used by the department to determine whether it's black-chinned tilapia or Nile tilapia is still unknown. He also questioned why canned fish companies use miniature Nile tilapia.

Mr. Natcha stated that during the outbreak and crackdown on black-chinned tilapia, the Department of Fisheries implemented measures to mass-purchase these fish. The black-chinned tilapia found were approximately 2-3 inches in size. This raises concerns that the Thai government has failed to resolve the problem and that there may have been cover-ups or concealments in the process of destroying black-chinned tilapia in the past. He emphasized that they will not remain indifferent and will closely monitor the Department of Fisheries' investigation, including the DNA testing methods used, such as the latest FishAI application. He questioned whether the application could mistakenly identify the fish as tilapia, as this issue will have a dual impact. Legitimate businesses that have consistently operated legally will be affected. Fairness must be given to the canned fish producers who maintain reliable brands in the area and are now being impacted. Regarding substandard or problematic brands, he noted that media rep orts indicate all cans have been recalled, but these two cans were only from a carton purchased by the MPs from local stores. Further investigation revealed many other brands with similar issues. He urged stricter enforcement of regulations.

Mr. Nattapong Sumanothum, MP for Samut Sakhon from the People's Party, stated that if this issue is not clarified, it will damage businesses that are operating legally, as well as the image of the province, which is a production source. It will cause consumers to question whether everything will be the same. Fairness must be given to businesses that are doing things correctly. He called on the government to address this issue directly, ensuring that product labels and contents match. He emphasized the need to quickly restore consumer confidence and to take swift action against those who are operating illegally.

Following the press conference, Mr. Natcha, along with MPs from the People's Party, scooped out a can of sardines to show reporters again. Mr. Anupap Likit-amnuaychai, MP for Samut Songkhram from the People's Party, then scooped some sardines onto his hand and showed reporters a bone, demonstrating that the fish inside was not sardines because the bones were larger and harder than those of typical mackerel. He then tasted it and commented, "It's edible, but it doesn't match the label. The can says sardines, but the fish inside isn't like what we're used to; the flesh is softer than sardines or mackerel."

Mr. Natcha stated that the remaining canned fish would be sent to researchers at various universities for parallel testing alongside the government's investigation.