Scott saga shows system's flaws

A celebrity marine park adviser has been dismissed — but the real issue isn't him. It's the corruption, secrecy, and autocratic control his departure exposes.

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Siranudh “Psi” Scott Bhirombhakdi, 26, from the Singha beer family, has sparked fierce debate. He rose to fame. His supporters fondly call him a whistleblower, others a troublemaker.

Appointed four years ago as an adviser to the director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) to promote park activities and marine tourism, he instead used his platform to shame irresponsible tour operators, criticise officials for negligence, and demand strict enforcement of park rules.

He posted photos of tour boats damaging coral, scolded tourists for collecting shells, and reprimanded others for drinking in protected zones. He even expelled a couple for greeting him with the Chinese “Ni Hao,” calling it a racial slur against Thai dignity.

Scott also accused marine park officials of turning a blind eye to environmental destruction — allegedly in exchange for bribes. He claimed that large tour companies routinely paid under-the-table money to national park heads to ignore rules and secure convenience.

Park authorities, however, say he acted beyond his advisory role, misused park boats and state resources mostly for “creating content”, and flew drones without permission.