Thailand steps up Gulf shipping watch after whale death

Thailand's marine authorities have been ordered to increase surveillance of shipping routes in the Gulf of Thailand after a young male Bryde's whale was found dead at Bang Pu in Samut Prakan.

The whale, died from shock and blood loss after suffering severe injuries to its head and jaw, according to a veterinary post-mortem examination. Officials are seeking practical measures to reduce the risk of vessels striking whales in their feeding and movement areas.

The carcass was reported beside a rock embankment at Khlong Sao Thong community in Bang Pu, Mueang Samut Prakan district. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin instructed Dr Pinsak Suraswadi, director-general of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, to urgently address the loss of Bryde's whales from vessel collisions.

Whale likely identified as Jao Mali

Veterinarians found the whale was a pre-pubescent male Bryde's whale, measuring 10.70 metres excluding its missing tail. Its body condition was otherwise good, although the carcass had begun decomposing.

The examination identified severe bruising and bleeding around the head, with fragments of the upper jawbone embedded in tissue. It also found a traumatic lumbar hernia, caused by a heavy impact from a blunt object that tore muscles and connective tissue along the whale's side, allowing the stomach and intestines to move beneath the skin.

The veterinary team concluded that the whale died from traumatic shock and blood loss following impacts to the head and jaw.

Based on its physical features and sighting records, officials believe the animal was Jao Mali, the sixth calf of a whale known as Mae Kanya. Jao Mali was first photographed and reported on 16 May 2021.

Slower vessels in whale areas

The department will deploy officers to watch, inspect and track vessel movements around Bryde's whale habitats and known travel routes. It will also work with relevant agencies and boat operators to introduce speed-reduction measures in higher-risk areas.

Dr Pinsak said the department was strengthening marine surveillance and had asked boat-operator associations using the upper Gulf of Thailand to cooperate. Proposed measures include immediate speed reductions when entering whale habitat, keeping a safe distance and not cutting across or steering towards a whale's route.

Operators and members of the public are also being asked to contact officials immediately if they see an injured Bryde's whale or one in danger.

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2 September 2026

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