Tourism
Bryde’s Whale Carcass Discovered Near Samae San Island
Authorities are coordinating the recovery of a large Bryde’s whale carcass found stranded on rocks near Samae San Island in Chonburi province.
On August 17, 2026, local fishermen and residents reported the discovery of a large, decomposing Bryde’s whale carcass stranded on rocks behind Samae San Island in the Sattahip district of Chonburi. The sighting was initially shared on social media, prompting an official response from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR).
Wuttipong Wong-in, Director of the Marine Resources Conservation Division for the DMCR’s Region 2 office, confirmed that the carcass is in an advanced state of decomposition, with visible skin damage from sun exposure. At this stage, the whale's age, sex, and cause of death remain unknown. Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the DMCR, has ordered an immediate operation to recover the remains for a necropsy to determine the cause of death.
For residents and visitors in the area, this incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to monitor marine life health in the Gulf of Thailand. Authorities are collaborating with the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Region 1), the Royal Thai Navy, and specialized veterinary teams to manage the recovery. Officials have stated that if the investigation reveals human involvement or illegal activity contributing to the whale's death, legal action will be pursued. Further updates are expected once the necropsy is completed.