Giant 4.3-metre Chao Phraya giant devil ray found dead in Chonburi

CHONBURI — 6 November 2026, A giant female Chao Phraya giant devil ray measuring 4.3 metres in length was found stranded dead near the Tha Ruea Phli fishing market, prompting fisheries and marine officials to inspect the carcass before arranging its disposal.

Chonburi Fisheries Chief Nattaphong Wannaphat and officials from the provincial fisheries office and the Marine and Coastal Resources Office 2 inspected the carcass at the market in Makham Yong subdistrict, Muang district, after receiving a report from a member of the public.

The discovery was first reported through the Forest and Marine Resources Protection Hotline 1362 at 19:57 on 5 November. The caller reported one dead ray stranded near the fishing market.

Officials identified the animal as a female Chao Phraya giant devil ray. It measured approximately 230 centimetres across and 430 centimetres from the tip of its snout to the end of its tail. The carcass was still relatively fresh, but officials had not established the cause of death.

After the inspection, officials coordinated with Chonburi City Municipality and Samet Subdistrict Municipality to move the large carcass to the Marine and Coastal Resources Office 2, where it would be buried in accordance with proper technical procedures.

Officials also used the visit to raise public awareness about the importance of marine and coastal resources. They urged anyone who finds rare marine animals stranded, injured or in distress to report the incident through the hotline at 1362 so authorities can respond promptly.

The Chonburi Fisheries Office said it would handle the carcass in accordance with the Department of Fisheries’ 2023 regulations governing the disposal of aquatic wildlife carcasses and related products.

The office also thanked the two local municipalities for providing personnel and logistical support for the removal and burial of the ray.