A video shared on Facebook shows two Bryde’s whales feeding near the Ang Thong islands, in the Gulf of Thailand. Filmed by tourists, this rare sighting is hailed as a major indicator of the ecological richness of the Thai sea. Experts see it as proof of the success of conservation efforts in this protected area.
In the footage, shared on social media, the two imposing cetaceans are seen with their jaws wide open in the crystal-clear waters of the Ang Thong archipelago off Ko Wa Yai (not far from Koh Samui) under the gaze of awestruck tourists.
The Bryde’s whale, also known as the Eden’s whale, is a tropical baleen whale species. Unlike many migratory whales, it often resides year-round in warm waters. In Thailand, it is one of the most regularly observed species in the Gulf, where it feeds mainly on anchovies and surface plankton. Its regular presence in the shallow waters of the national park is linked to the abundance of food and the tranquillity of the area (the zone is protected).
Rangers at the Ang Thong Marine National Park regularly report sightings, sometimes solitary, sometimes in small groups. Authorities from the Department of National Parks (DNP) emphasise that these cetaceans choose the archipelago as a feeding zone, proof that the marine ecosystem remains productive despite tourist and fishing pressures.
These repeated sightings are perceived as a positive message after years of efforts to reduce pollution and protect habitats. Authorities nevertheless urge tourists and boaters to maintain a safe distance and not to approach the animals.