Bryde's Whale Delights Students in Andaman Sea
Over 40 students on an anti-corruption leadership program spotted a 10-meter Bryde's whale surfacing in the Andaman Sea near Koh Rok, offering a rare glimpse into the region's rich marine ecosystem.
More than 40 students and 20 officials and supervisors recently encountered an unforgettable moment when a large Bryde's whale, measuring over 10 meters long, surfaced near their speedboat in the Andaman Sea. The group was en route to Koh Rok in Krabi from Koh Muk in Trang as part of the "Trang Anti Corruption Young Leader Program Generation 7," organized by the Trang Provincial Anti-Corruption Office.
The whale appeared approximately 30 meters from the boat between Koh Rok and in the waters of Mu Ko Lanta and Koh Muk National Parks. The boat operator immediately cut the engine to minimize disturbance to the marine animal, allowing the vessel to drift safely with the current.
The Bryde's whale exhibited natural swimming and breathing behavior for more than 10 minutes, during which observers photographed and recorded video. The sighting demonstrates the richness of the marine ecosystem in these waters, as Bryde's whales typically inhabit areas with abundant food sources and suitable environmental conditions.
Bryde's whales are large marine mammals found in Thai waters in both the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea, typically measuring 12-15 meters in length. They frequently surface near the water's edge, particularly in areas with schools of small fish.
The young participants expressed their fortune at witnessing the whale. Beyond receiving anti-corruption education, the camp provided outdoor learning experiences on marine resource management, the operations of Mu Ko Lanta National Park officials, and conservation efforts and challenges. The group also visited Koh Muk to hear directly from local communities.
