A "Rahu stingray" weighing over 100 kilograms was found dead, floating in the sea, still fresh, near the Phlee Pier Fish Market in Chonburi Province. The cause of death is still unknown.
On 8 Nov 2023 GMT+7, it was reported that on 6 Nov, Mr. Natthapong Wannaphat, Chonburi Fisheries Officer, along with staff from the Chonburi Fisheries Office, visited the area near Phlee Pier Fish Market in Mueang Chonburi District, Chonburi Province. They coordinated with Marine and Coastal Resources Office 2 after receiving a report through the Forest and Sea Protection Hotline 1362, incident code 70-03-1103, stating that on 5 Nov at 19:57, the public found the carcass of a stranded Rahu stingray at Phlee Pier Fish Market, Soi Phlee Pier, Makham Yong Subdistrict, Mueang Chonburi District, Chonburi.
Officers from Marine and Coastal Resources Office 2 coordinated with the Chonburi Fisheries Office to investigate and found a female Chao Phraya Rahu stingray with a body width of approximately 230 centimeters and a length from snout to tail tip of about 430 centimeters. The carcass was still fresh.
They also coordinated with Chonburi Municipality and Samed Subdistrict Municipality to assist with moving and scientifically burying the carcass at Marine and Coastal Resources Office 2.
Additionally, officials have educated the local community to raise awareness of the value and importance of marine and coastal resources. They also urged the public to report any sightings of rare or stranded marine animals immediately via the Forest and Sea Protection Hotline 1362, enabling authorities to promptly inspect and provide effective assistance.
Moving forward, the Chonburi Fisheries Office will act according to the Department of Fisheries regulations concerning the handling of wildlife, wildlife carcasses, or products derived from aquatic wildlife carcasses, as outlined in the 2023 regulation, Chapter 4 on procedures for wildlife carcasses. They also expressed gratitude to Chonburi Municipality and Samed Subdistrict Municipality for their support in moving and burying the carcass.