Suchart orders measures to protect Bryde's whales
Natural Resources Minister Suchart Chomklin orders DMCR to set up vessel speed limits after a dead Bryde's whale washed ashore in Samut Prakan on Aug 31, 2026.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Minister Suchart orders DMCR to prevent ship strikes on Bryde's whales
- Triggered by a dead Bryde's whale found washed ashore in Samut Prakan on Aug 31, 2026
- Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi deploys officers to monitor marine animal routes
- Authorities coordinate with boat operators to enforce concrete speed reduction rules
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has expressed serious concern over the safety of rare marine life following a recent incident on August 31, 2026. Authorities received reports of a dead Bryde's whale washing ashore near the rock embankment at the Khlong Sao Thong community in Bang Pu sub-district, Mueang Samut Prakan district, Samut Prakan province. This tragic discovery highlights the ongoing threats that marine mammals face from maritime transport in Thai waters.
Recognizing the urgent need to protect these endangered marine animals, Minister Suchart has assigned Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), to spearhead preventive actions. Officials have been immediately dispatched to monitor marine routes, patrol key habitats, and track the movement corridors of Bryde's whales to significantly reduce the risk of future vessel collisions.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Beyond active patrols, the department is actively coordinating with relevant government agencies and local boat operators. The collaborative effort aims to establish practical and enforceable speed limits for vessels navigating through whale habitats, ensuring that protective measures are implemented effectively across the region.
Scientific examination of the carcass provided further biological details. Veterinarians and researchers identified the specimen as a male sub-adult Bryde's whale (Bryde's Whale; Balaenoptera edeni). The measured body length reached 10.70 meters, excluding the missing tail section. Upon discovery, the carcass was found in a state of advanced decomposition with peeling skin and several missing skeletal parts, including parts of the upper and lower left jaws, nasal bone, and tail.
Implementing strict vessel speed limits and habitat monitoring represents a crucial proactive step for marine conservation. Because Bryde's whales frequently surface to breathe, they remain highly vulnerable to accidental ship strikes. Securing cooperation from commercial vessel operators is therefore vital to balancing maritime transport activities with long-term marine preservation efforts in Thailand.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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