‘Pla Thu’ is a mackerel-like fish, which lives near the seashore. The fish is especially abundant in river mouths. The confluence of river and ocean waters provides nutrients, minerals and plankton, for instance in the Gulf of Thailand. An ideal home for the fish, Samut Songkhram provides the most delicious Pla Thu. In the past, the villagers of Amphoe Mae Klong used a local tool made from bamboo to trap the fish. This bamboo tool was applied to encircle the sea area, as large as a football field. At present, this method has been given up, and Pla Thu is now trapped with huge nets. The fish is abundant from June - January. ‘Pla Thu Nueng’ (steamed Pla Thu) is another delectable Thai dish. 2-3 fish are placed into a round bamboo wicker tray under which water is brought to boil. The fish are steamed to perfection and served with spicy chili dip and vegetables.