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Plastic Bottle Found in Beached Whale in Songkhla Autopsy

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Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

Authorities have confirmed the discovery of a plastic bottle inside the digestive tract of a Bryde’s whale found dead on a shoreline in Songkhla on 5 December 2025. The carcass, which had begun to emit a strong odour, washed up along the coast of Khao Rup Chang subdistrict in Mueang district and drew public attention after images circulated widely on social media. Officials from the Rare and Endangered Marine Animal Unit of the Lower Gulf of Thailand Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre conducted a full autopsy on 6 December.

 

The whale was identified as a male Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni), measuring 9.17 metres and believed to be in its juvenile stage. Although the exterior showed no signs of injury from fishing gear, the internal condition was severely deteriorated, with advanced decomposition noted throughout the organs. Officers found no food in the digestive tract but recovered one plastic bottle lodged inside.


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The liver displayed an abnormal yellow coloration and other internal organs had largely decayed, making precise assessments difficult. Officials believe the whale likely died from illness that left it unable to feed, consistent with the absence of food remnants. The discovery of marine debris aligns with long-standing concerns about pollution in the Gulf of Thailand and its impact on endangered marine species.

 

Experts emphasised that while the plastic bottle was found, it has not yet been determined whether it directly contributed to the whale’s death. The autopsy results have raised renewed awareness of threats to Bryde’s whales, a species already vulnerable due to environmental pressures. Authorities reiterated the importance of waste management and monitoring of marine habitats.

 

Matichon reported that samples of tissue were collected for DNA analysis to support species verification and potential population studies. The skull, ribs and pelvic bones were also preserved as part of scientific documentation before the carcass was buried. Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organisation provided a backhoe to dig a burial pit and white lime was applied to disinfect the site.

 

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Key Takeaways

 

• A 9.17-metre juvenile male Bryde’s whale found in Songkhla contained a plastic bottle in its digestive tract.

• The whale’s organs were severely decomposed, with no signs of fishing-gear injury and no food detected internally.

• Officials believe illness likely caused the whale’s death and have collected DNA and bone samples for further study.

 

Related Stories

 

Bryde’s-whale-found-dead-after-tangling-in-fishing-net

 

Excitement-as-bryde’s-whale-trio-spotted-near-Bang-Saen-beach

 

image.png Adapted  by  Asean Now from Matichon 2025-12-07


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12 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Authorities have confirmed the discovery of a plastic bottle inside the digestive tract of a Bryde’s whale found dead on a shoreline in Songkhla on 5 December 2025.

Just the one! That is a surprise.

  • 2 weeks later...
On 12/7/2025 at 8:10 AM, Stocky said:

Just the one! That is a surprise.

 

Perhaps they where eaten by sharks?

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