Bryde’s whale in good health found dead on Thai beach

Marine veterinarians believe it died 'suddenly'

A Bryde’s whale in good health has been found dead, washed up on a beach in the upper Gulf of Thailand, and veterinarians have so far been unable to determine how it died. 

The dead whale's discovery on a beach in the area where Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi provinces meet was reported to authorities on Nov 5 by Chamroon Pongpitak, 

Marine officials examined the carcass on Friday and Saturday, a spokesman for the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources said. He did not identify the beach.

They confirmed it was a male Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni) at the sub-adult stage, 11.2 metres long. The carcass was severely decomposed with extensive skin peeling.

Veterinarians agreed it had been in very good physical condition before its death, with a layer of blubber 6.5 centimetres thick.

An abrasion about 2.5 metres long was found on the left side of its body, along with minor bruising to muscles along its upper midsection. No abnormalities were detected in the cardiovascular or respiratory systems.

A substantial amount of food remained in its stomach. Investigators also discovered foreign objects in its intestines, including a piece of processed wood about 8cm long and a nipa palm nut.  The liver, kidneys and pancreas had decomposed.

Veterinarians were unable to determine the cause of death. The examination revealed no pathological signs that could explain what happened. Given the whale's otherwise good physical condition, officials believe it died suddenly.

Tissue and internal organ samples were collected for further laboratory analysis.

The DMCR has urged members of the public, fishermen and boat operators in the area to slow down when whales are nearby, maintain a safe distance and avoid approaching or disturbing the animals.

This would minimise the risk of vessel strikes and protect the country's rare marine wildlife.

On Saturday, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin instructed the DMCR to closely monitor Bryde’s whale populations in the upper Gulf, stressing the importance of protecting these rare mammals.

He also asked members of the public and boat operators to exercise greater caution when navigating the area, to prevent collisions.