A carcass of a "Mekong giant freshwater stingray" was found stranded along the Mekong River dam in Mukdahan Province, weighing more than 200 kilograms, 2.5 meters wide, and measuring 4 meters from snout to tail. Locals are questioning the cause of its death.
On 10 Nov 2026 GMT+7, it was reported that a Facebook user, Baw Thaiban The Na Wiang Kaeng, posted a video showing the carcass of a freshwater stingray or Mekong giant stingray, claiming it was the largest they had ever encountered since fishing as a child. After the post went viral, many speculated about the cause of death, wondering whether it was due to toxins or old age, raising various theories.
Most recently, on 9 Nov 2026 GMT+7, reporters visited the Mekong riverside area at Ban Na Wiang Kaeng, Na Si Nuan Subdistrict, Mueang Mukdahan District, Mukdahan Province, where they met Mr. Wisarut Sorman, 40, owner of the Facebook page Baw Thaiban The Na Wiang Kaeng. He took reporters to see the spot where he had tied the fish carcass.
Mr. Wisarut revealed that he regularly fishes in this area. On the morning of the sighting, he found the stingray floating along the Mekong River and, with a senior fisherman companion, tied it up. By visual estimation, they believed the fish weighed over 200 kilograms, with a diameter of over 2 meters and measuring about 4 meters from snout to tail. The cause of death is unknown, but he remarked that it was the largest he had ever seen in person. So far, no official agencies have come to investigate.