BANG SAEN, CHONBURI – Spectacular images of over a dozen giant Bryde’s whales directly off the coast of Bang Saen are currently delighting marine biologists and tourists alike. Drone footage shows the enormous animals hunting together just a stone’s throw from the beach.
Drone pilot films rare natural spectacle
On June 26, 2026, the first videos began to appear, publicly shared by Facebook user Eaksak Soemsri. They were taken by Prapya Chu, who launched his drone from the excursion boat Ploypailin Navy 2, capturing the elegant marine mammals near Khao Sam Muk and Bang Saen Beach. The footage shows the whales feeding close to shore and swimming in close proximity to each other. Click numbers immediately surged, and the region came into focus as a hotspot for gentle ecotourism.
“Captain Kao” counts more whales than last year
Eaksak Soemsri, better known in the area as “Captain Kao,” is a 50-year-old volunteer for maritime rescue and owner of the Ploypailin Navy 2. He regularly takes tourists on whale watching tours around the Khao Sam Muk cape and is in constant communication with marine authorities.
During a press briefing at Laem Thaen, he explained that researchers had already identified 13 individual Bryde’s whales this year. This represents an increase compared to the previous season and is a strong indicator of the rich marine ecosystem off Chonburi.
A giant as heavy as a small van
Among the sighted whales, one individual stands out particularly. According to Captain Kao’s estimates, the largest bull is as long as a small van and weighs almost two tons. This animal is significantly more massive than many of the boats used for excursions. Its sheer size is particularly evident in the drone videos as the whales glide just below the water’s surface.
Strict rules protect the gentle giants
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources has issued clear guidelines to ensure that growing tourism does not harm the animals. Boats must maintain a minimum distance of 100 meters and immediately switch off their engines when approaching the whales. The authority aims to prevent severe injuries from ship propellers.
According to Eaksak Soemsri, all local operators of whale watching tours have already completed the required training.
Tourist magnet between motor racing and whales
Captain Kao particularly recommends a visit to Bang Saen for tourists at this time. Those who follow the Bangsaen Grand Prix motorsport event during the day can then go on a whale watching tour on the same day. Interested individuals can contact the trained operators of the White Shark Marine Rescue Team, who conduct excursions with the necessary respect for the animals.
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said Khaosod English.