Satun—
On October 26th, 2023, the Satun local media reported that a local resident found a large female dugong, weighing over 200 kilograms, stranded at Ban Ko Raya Beach, Mueang, Satun.
Mr. Winai Mongleh, a 52-year-old village chief, received a report from Mr. Khomchan Koppulao, 28, who found the massive dugong stranded. According to the report from the media, Khomchan then asked for locals to help move the dugong to a dock for further examination by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.
Initially, the dugong had wounds and spots on its tail with a scratch and a swelling mark on its back.
Mr. Ameen Sando, a 40-year-old conservationist, expressed his grief over the injured dugong. The discovery of dugongs, mostly dolphins and sea turtles, in the area indicates that the ocean is abundant with natural resources.
However, Ameen wants the Thai government to take action on the conservation of seagrass as it is a food source for rare marine animals such as dugongs.
