Investigation Launched After Mutilated Dugong Found in Phang Nga

On August 1, 2026, a decomposed carcass of a young male dugong was discovered washed ashore at Noen Nang Non beach in Phang Nga’s Takua Thung district. According to Khaosod Online Thailand, the animal was found with its head, both fins, and tail severed by a sharp object.

Suchart Chomklin, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, has ordered the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) to conduct an urgent investigation into the cause of death and to identify those responsible for the mutilation. The carcass, measuring approximately 150 centimeters and weighing 24 kilograms, was transported to the Upper Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center for a detailed necropsy. While the initial examination confirmed the animal was in a moderate state of decomposition, officials could not definitively determine the cause of death.

For residents and travelers, this incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the protection of rare marine life in Thailand. The DMCR has increased surveillance in habitats where dugongs are known to reside to prevent further incidents. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities have pledged to pursue legal action against any individuals found responsible for the act. It remains to be confirmed whether the mutilation occurred before or after the animal's death, as the current state of the remains has complicated the forensic analysis.