SATTAHIP, Chonburi – Authorities on Tuesday examined the remains of a large Bryde’s whale found floating and stranded on rocks behind Ko Samae San in the Samae San Subdistrict.
Local fishermen discovered the carcass on August 17th and alerted officials. The body was already in an advanced state of decomposition, and initial details about the animal’s sex, age and cause of death were unavailable.
On August 18th, a joint team from the Marine and Coastal Resources Office Region 2 (Marine Resource Conservation Division), the Royal Thai Navy’s Naval Special Warfare Command, veterinarians from the Eastern Gulf of Thailand Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center, and local tour boat operators inspected the site on the western side of the island.
Preliminary examination by veterinarians confirmed the animal was an adult male Bryde’s whale measuring approximately 10 meters in length. The carcass was heavily decayed. Inspection of the digestive tract found no food remains or foreign objects.
Officials collected tissue and biological samples for genetic analysis and comparison, along with other evidence. A detailed necropsy report will be prepared to determine the exact cause of death and to assess whether human activity played any role.
The Marine and Coastal Resources Office Region 2 filed an official report with Sattahip Police Station (daily log No. 6, timed 11:41 a.m. on August 18) to support further investigation and evidence gathering. If the findings indicate any illegal activity or human involvement, authorities will pursue legal action under relevant laws.
Officials described the discovery as significant for marine resource data in the Sattahip area. They said they would continue detailed analysis to establish the cause of death and determine the appropriate scientific management of the remains.
