Rare Bryde’s Whale Spotted Feeding Near Koh Si Chang
A rare Bryde’s whale was spotted feeding near Koh Si Chang in Chonburi on October 5, 2026, delighting locals and tourists who captured photos and video of the animal surfacing and lunging at fish schools. The sighting, recorded by Facebook users Jutarad Chaipakdee and SAKda Yasawut, highlights the region’s rich marine ecosystem. Bryde’s whales are protected reserved wildlife in Thailand, and their appearance underscores the importance of marine conservation.
Amazing! A rare Bryde’s whale was seen near Koh Si Chang, Chonburi, feeding on fish schools, reflecting the area’s marine abundance. Residents and tourists flocked to capture photos and videos of the impressive encounter. At 1:00 p.m. on October 5, 2026, reporters said locals and visitors in the Koh Si Chang district were thrilled after spotting the protected Bryde’s whale, about 10–12 metres long, swimming and feeding near the shore. The whale was observed opening its mouth to chase schools of anchovy, delighting onlookers. Footage recorded by Facebook users Jutarad Chaipakdee and SAKda Yasawut and shared in the Koh Si Chang group on October 3 showed the whale approaching the island, spouting water and surfacing as it hunted small fish gathered in large numbers. Witnesses grabbed their phones to record the rare close‑up encounter, noting that the whale only appears briefly when it lunges for prey or surfaces to breathe. When it comes up for air, its head and blowhole break the surface before a powerful exhalation creates a spray of mist, after which it inhales and dives back underwater, thrilling tourists and boat operators. The whale’s presence off Koh Si Chang‑Sriracha is another sign of a healthy marine ecosystem, especially the abundance of small fish that serve as its main food. Bryde’s whales are rare marine mammals found in the Gulf of Thailand and are protected as reserved wildlife under Thai law, raising awareness of the need to conserve marine resources and rare species to maintain ocean richness.
