Large Bryde's Whale Carcass Found Near Samet Island
A large decomposed Bryde's whale carcass was discovered lodged near Samet Island in Chonburi Province on August 17. Authorities plan recovery operations and a necropsy to determine the cause of death, with the skeleton to be preserved as an
On August 17, a Facebook user named Surasak Hongthong posted about discovering a large whale carcass behind Samet Island and shared video footage of the find. The carcass was later identified as a large Bryde's whale lodged among rocks around Samet Island in Sametsarai Subdistrict, Satahip District, Chonburi Province. Local fishermen and residents reported the discovery to authorities.
Wuttipong Wonginthorn, director of the Marine Resource Conservation Section at the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Office 2 (Chonburi), confirmed the report. The whale carcass is in a decomposed state, emitting a foul odor, with portions of skin burned by sun exposure. It remains lodged against rocks near the island. The sex, age, and cause of death are currently unknown.
Following notification of the discovery, Pinsak Surasavadee, director-general of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, ordered the department's regional office to proceed with recovery operations in coordination with the Naval Area Command Region 1, the Royal Thai Navy, the Naval Special Warfare Command, veterinarians from the Upper Gulf of Thailand Research Center, and local conservation networks.
Recovery operations were scheduled for August 18, involving the transport of the whale carcass from Samet Island to Haad Yai Beach in Sametsarai Subdistrict. After recovery, a necropsy will be performed to determine the cause of death, with tissue samples, biological samples, and other evidence collected for laboratory analysis and genetic comparison.
If the investigation determines the whale died from human-related causes or an illegal act, relevant agencies will gather evidence and pursue legal action. After the necropsy and sample collection, the remains will be handled according to scientific and sanitary standards. The Bryde's whale skeleton will be processed for conservation and future display as an educational resource on rare marine animals and coastal resources of Chonburi Province.
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources urges the public and tourists to report any sightings of rare marine animals or stranded creatures to the department or hotline 1362 so officials can properly investigate, document, and provide appropriate assistance.
