Feeling the financial sting of Covid-19, fishermen in the South of Thailand have found an unlikely remedy – jellyfish.
The southwest monsoon is set to blow in a rich harvest of the sea creatures, bringing much-needed cash to seaside communities like Ban Pak Khong in Trang province
Here, fisherfolk can generate income of THB5,000-10,000 per day from selling jellyfish, which can inject THB100,000 daily into the community from May to September.
Kasem Bunya, a 52-year-old community headman and jellyfish trader, said the southwest monsoon will bring a huge harvest of jellyfish that can be cooked and eaten or used as medicine.
“This is a great opportunity to generate income after suffering during the Covid-19 outbreak,” he said.
The price of a jellyfish in the South is currently THB4-8 after several markets overseas were closed as part of Covid-19 restrictions.
“Chinese people usually generate high demand for jellyfish as they use them to make medicine, while Thais usually cook them in dishes such as Yen Ta Fo [noodles in pink soup],” Kasem said.
He added that communities in Satun, Krabi, Phang Nga and Phuket would also benefit from jellyfish season.
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