Humpback whales and Bryde’s whales, recorded off Ao Por, off Phuket’s east coast, since 1992, along with Risso’s dolphins – which have been stranded in Phuket and other provinces – were included in a new regulation endorsed on Thursday (Sept 4).
The move, proposed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, designates the species as protected under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562. The law bans hunting, trading, importing or exporting these animals without special permission, limited to zoological purposes. Possession also requires a licence.
Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), said the decision was a key step in safeguarding marine biodiversity, reports the Bangkok Post.
The species play a vital role in ocean ecosystems but face threats from fishing gear entanglement, maritime traffic and illegal capture.
The DMCR, working with the Department of National Parks and the Department of Fisheries, is testing acoustic deterrents, advanced netting materials and aerial surveillance technology to reduce such risks.
The new listing also aligns Thailand with obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Foreign Affairs Ministry will notify member countries to strengthen cooperation against wildlife trafficking, Mr Pinsak said.
Between 2003 and 2022, Risso’s dolphins were stranded 11 times in Thailand, including in Phuket, Rayong, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Pattani, Narathiwat, Songkhla and Trang.
Officials expect the protection to boost ecosystem health, reduce trade-related risks, enhance Thailand’s conservation reputation and support sustainable marine tourism.