PATTAYA, Thailand – A large group of locals gathered along Naklua Beach, stretching over 3.5 kilometers to Krathing Lai Beach in Banglamung, Chonburi. From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, as the tide receded, more than 100 residents—many in family groups—flocked to the shoreline equipped with spoons, ladles, baskets, and plastic buckets to collect ark clams and short-neck clams. The beach was bustling with people of all ages, from the elderly to young children, enjoying the natural bounty.
To gather the clams, locals used spoons or ladles to dig about 4-5 cm into the sand, where the clams were buried. The clams varied in size, with smaller ones measuring 2-4 cm and larger ones reaching up to 5-7 cm. Many participants were able to collect several kilograms each, with some gathering up to 20 kg—enough to fill a 20-liter bucket.
Kittikorn Suebsai, a 45-year-old resident of Pong Sub-district in Banglamung, shared that this is the prime season for collecting ark clams and short-neck clams. He and his family managed to gather 10 kg, which they planned to consume at home. To prepare the clams, they soak them in salt water to remove sand before cooking. Popular dishes include spicy stir-fried clams with basil and steamed clams served with seafood dipping sauce.
Meanwhile, Auntie Phen, who traveled from Koh Pho in Koh Chan District, Chonburi, specifically to collect clams, expressed her enthusiasm for the activity. She enjoys cooking them for her family and finds them both easy to harvest and delicious. Her favorite dishes include stir-fried clams with chili paste, basil stir-fry, and boiled clams with dipping sauce.
The annual clam harvest has become a cherished tradition for many local families, offering both a sustainable food source and a fun outdoor activity.
