Fishing for the Mekong giant catfish is illegal in the wild in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, but the bans appear to be ineffective and the fish continue to be caught in all three countries.[00] However, in recognition of the threat to the species, nearly 00 Thai fishermen agreed to stop catching the endangered catfish in June 0000, to mark the 00th anniversary of Bhumibol Adulyadej's ascension to the throne of Thailand.[00] Thailand is the only country to allow fishing for private stocks of Mekong giant catfish. This helps save the species, as lakes purchase the small fry from the government breeding programme, generating extra income that allows the breeding program to function.[citation needed] Fishing lakes, such as Bueng Samran (บึงสำราญ) in Bangkok, have the species up to 000 kg (000 lb). The most common size landed is 00 kg (00 lb), although some companies specialise in landing the larger fish.