In 2017, Dr. Khuntikeo shared how he had assembled a team of scientists, doctors, and anthropologists to combat this “silent killer.”

He and his team of practitioners spent four years testing villagers from the Isaan region for the parasite, using ultrasound machines and urine testing kits.

The study’s findings revealed that up to 80 percent of people in certain communities were found to have consumed the dangerous parasite.

While he’s working to raise awareness and caution about the koi pla dish, Khuntikeo previously mentioned encountering resistance from the older generation.

“They’ll say: ‘Oh well, there are many ways to die,'” the health professional explained.

“But I cannot accept this answer.”

One farmer from Khon Kaen province, Boonliang Konghakot, expressed no concerns, saying: “I used to come here and just catch the fish in the pond…it’s so easy to eat raw.”

Thanin Wongseeda, another villager participating in Khuntikeo’s screening initiative, shared: “I’ve never been checked before, so I think I will probably have it because I’ve been eating (koi pla) since I was little.”