Researchers Identify Over 118 Bryde's Whales in Gulf of Thailand
Marine researchers from Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources have identified and named over 118 Bryde's whales in the Gulf of Thailand using photo‑identification techniques. The team reported seven new calves this year but also recorded six deaths, including a calf lost to a boat strike, while highlighting how the whales’ near‑shore appearances signal a recovering coastal ecosystem.
Marine researchers from Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources have unveiled the secrets behind their Bryde's whale health‑check mission, celebrating the success of photo‑identification and naming over 118 individuals in the Gulf of Thailand. On October 5, 2026, the agency revealed details of the ongoing marine study tracking whale histories and health, led by marine researcher Pattaraporn Yawasut (Khong Or) and marine veterinarian Rachawadee Chandra (Doctor Bee). The team, continuing a three‑generation legacy that began with pioneers Dr. Kanchana Adulyanukosol and Surasak Thongsukdee, has used unique markings—dorsal fin shape, lip patterns, chin spots, scars and oral dark spots—like fingerprints to identify whales, adding seven new members this year while mourning six losses, including a calf named Mali killed in a boat strike.
The researchers noted that monitoring whales is not always pleasant; tracking rare marine animals across vast waters presents challenges, especially the story of Mother Phai‑fan, a whale that once brought joy and gave birth to calves named Ierm‑em and Prem‑predit, later growing thin and ill. Despite efforts to follow her through a network, the team ultimately received the sad news of her passing.
Pattaraporn explained that assessing a Bryde's whale’s health in the wild requires keen observation of movement, balance, and even listening to breathing sounds. A healthy whale swims with its dorsal fin up and blowhole on top; if it begins to swim on its side or upside‑down for extended periods, or breathes rapidly while resting, it signals abnormality. Listening to the whale’s breath instead of using a stethoscope on its chest reveals lung condition: strong, clear, whooshing sounds indicate good health, while illness may silence the breath or turn it into a rattling, phlegm‑like noise.
Body condition is scored on a three‑point scale based on the back view: emaciated whales show vertebrae, shoulder blades and ribs (level 1); moderate condition shows some coverage (level 2); and healthy whales display a smooth, rounded contour (level 3).
The team has also documented the whales’ feeding behaviors in Thailand—side‑feeding, surface‑feeding with heads lifted, mating, teaching calves to eat, and the fish species that leap into their mouths. These individual traits attract tourists and researchers worldwide.
Pattaraporn added that the increasing presence of Bryde's whales near shores such as Bangsaen is not accidental but reflects a healthy coastal food chain. Historically fishermen called them “father‑grandfather” or “lord fish,” considering their sighting a sign of a good catch. Their appearance near shore confirms the coastal food web is recovering well.
These insights are being used to drive the establishment of protected zones, campaigns to reduce vessel speeds, and community‑based conservation efforts, which besides helping mother whales nurse their calves also contribute to broader marine preservation.
