CHONBURI — 26 June 2026, More than 13 Bryde’s whales have been spotted off the coast of Bang Saen in Chon Buri province, highlighting the area’s rich marine ecosystem and drawing interest from tourists hoping to see the animals in their natural habitat.
The sightings gained attention after Facebook user Eaksak Soemsri shared drone footage showing several Bryde’s whales feeding and swimming together off Khao Sam Muk and Bang Saen Beach. The video was filmed by Prapya Chu using a drone launched from the tour boat Ploypailin Navy 2.
Speaking to reporters at 14:00 on 26 June 2026 at Laem Thaen in Saensuk subdistrict, Eaksak Soemsri, 50, a marine rescue volunteer known as “Captain Kao” and owner of Ploypailin Navy 2, said he regularly takes visitors on whale-watching trips around Khao Sam Muk.
He said surveys this year have identified 13 Bryde’s whales, more than were recorded last year.
According to Eaksak, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources has issued whale-watching guidelines requiring boats to remain at least 100 metres from the whales and switch off their engines to prevent injuries from propellers.
He added that all operators taking tourists to see the whales have completed the required training.
The largest whale spotted this year is estimated to be about the size of a minibus and weigh nearly two tonnes, making it larger than many of the boats observing it.
Eaksak invited tourists to visit Bang Saen during the current season, noting that visitors can enjoy both the Bangsaen Grand Prix motorsport event and whale-watching trips later in the day.
Tourists interested in joining a whale-watching excursion can contact trained operators from the White Shark Marine Rescue team.