Sharks in Thailand are an integral part of the country’s rich marine biodiversity, drawing both tourists and marine life enthusiasts to its beautiful waters. The diverse species found in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, ranging from the massive whale shark to the elusive tiger shark, highlight the ecological richness of this region. This article delves into the various types of sharks in Thailand, where they can be spotted, and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect these fascinating creatures. Whether you’re a seasoned diver, a marine conservationist, or simply curious about marine life, understanding the role and presence of sharks in Thailand’s waters is crucial for appreciating the region’s natural heritage and the global importance of shark conservation.
Types of Sharks in Thailand
Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)
The whale shark is the largest fish species in the ocean, reaching lengths of up to 12 meters (40 feet) or more. These gentle giants are filter feeders, meaning they feed by swimming with their mouths wide open, filtering plankton, small fish, and other tiny organisms from the water. Despite their immense size, whale sharks are known for their docile nature and pose no threat to humans.
Where to Spot them
- Similan Islands: A popular diving destination where whale sharks are frequently spotted, especially during the diving season (October to May).
- Koh Tao: Known for occasional sightings, particularly around the dive sites of Chumphon Pinnacle and Sail Rock.
- Richelieu Rock: This is one of the best spots in Thailand for whale shark encounters.
Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)
The Blacktip Reef Shark is a medium-sized shark species commonly found in shallow waters, especially around coral reefs. They are easily identified by the distinctive black tips on their dorsal and caudal fins, which give them their name. These sharks typically grow to around 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) in length. They are agile swimmers and are often seen hunting small fish, squid, and crustaceans in the clear, warm waters of tropical and subtropical regions.
Where to Spot them
- Koh Phi Phi: Commonly seen around the shallow waters and reef areas.
- Koh Samui: Sightings are common around Ang Thong National Marine Park and surrounding islands.
- Koh Tao: Shallow reefs around the island often host these sharks.
Leopard Shark (Stegostoma fasciatum)
The Leopard Shark, also known as the Zebra Shark due to its striped pattern as a juvenile, is easily recognizable by the distinctive leopard-like spots on its body as an adult. This species can grow up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in length and is typically found resting on sandy bottoms near coral reefs. They are nocturnal and feed on mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish.
Where to Spot them
- Phi Phi Islands: Particularly around Shark Point and Bida Nok, divers frequently encounter leopard sharks.
- Similan Islands: Known for sightings of this species on sandy bottoms near coral reefs.
Grey Reef Shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos)
The Grey Reef Shark is a robust and agile species commonly found in coral reef habitats. Typically growing up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in length, these sharks are distinguished by their streamlined bodies and dusky-colored dorsal surfaces. They are known for their strong social structure and can often be seen in groups, particularly around reef drop-offs and outer reef areas.
Where to Spot them
- Similan Islands: Common around deeper reef areas.
- Richelieu Rock: Occasionally sighted, especially around the deeper parts of the dive site.
Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas)
The Bull Shark is a powerful and robust species, recognized for its stocky build and relatively short, blunt snout. They can grow up to 3.5 meters (11 feet) in length and are known for their aggressive nature and strong hunting abilities. What sets Bull Sharks apart from many other shark species is their remarkable ability to thrive in both salt and freshwater environments. They are often found in coastal waters, estuaries, and even far up rivers, making them one of the few shark species capable of living in freshwater for extended periods.
Where to Spot them
- Chumphon Pinnacle (Koh Tao): A known spot for bull shark encounters, particularly around deep pinnacles.
- Khao Lak: Areas around submerged shipwrecks may attract these sharks.
Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum)
Nurse Sharks are bottom-dwelling species characterized by their elongated bodies and distinctive barbels, which are fleshy whisker-like appendages near their mouths. These barbels help them sense and locate prey along the ocean floor. Nurse Sharks can grow up to 4.3 meters (14 feet) in length and are known for their relatively slow, nocturnal habits. They are often found resting on sandy or rocky substrates during the day and are more active at night when they hunt for crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish.
Where to Spot them
- Similan Islands: Occasionally found resting on the seafloor in coral reef areas.
- Hin Daeng and Hin Muang: Two dive sites in the Andaman Sea known for nurse shark sightings.
Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)
The Tiger Shark is a large and powerful species known for the distinctive vertical stripes on its body, reminiscent of a tiger’s pattern. These stripes are more pronounced in juveniles and tend to fade as the shark matures. Tiger Sharks can grow up to 5 meters (16 feet) in length, making them one of the largest shark species. They are known for their broad diet, often called “garbage eaters” because they consume a wide variety of prey, including fish, seals, birds, squid, and even inedible objects.
Where to Spot them
Less commonly encountered: Tiger sharks are less frequently seen but can be found around deeper waters, particularly in the Andaman Sea.
Silvertip Shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus)
The Silvertip Shark is a striking species known for the distinctive white or silvery tips on its fins, which give it its name. This medium to large-sized shark can reach lengths of up to 3 meters (10 feet). Silvertip Sharks are typically found around coral reefs, drop-offs, and atolls in tropical and subtropical waters. They are often seen cruising above the reef and are known for their graceful swimming style and streamlined bodies.
Where to Spot them
Richelieu Rock: Known for sightings of silvertip sharks, especially in deeper waters.
Similan Islands: Occasionally seen around deeper reef areas.
Shark attacks in Thailand
Shark attacks in Thailand are extremely rare. The country’s waters, particularly around popular tourist areas like the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, are frequented by various shark species. However, most of these species are not considered dangerous to humans.
Occasionally, incidents involving sharks have been reported, but they are typically minor and often involve species that do not pose a significant threat. The most commonly encountered sharks, such as blacktip reef sharks and leopard sharks, are generally not aggressive towards humans.
It is always advisable for swimmers, snorkelers, and divers to follow local guidelines and take standard safety precautions when in the water. These include avoiding swimming at dawn or dusk, when sharks are more likely to be feeding, and staying away from areas where baitfish are present.
Here is a list of reported shark attacks in Thailand from 2000 to the present:
- January 4, 2000 – Phang Nga Islands: A German diver, Stephan Kahl, was fatally attacked, possibly by a Tiger shark. This incident marks one of the rare fatal shark attacks in Thailand.
- August 11, 2001 – Laem Mae Pim Beach, Rayong Province: A 10-foot shark attacked a fisherman who fell off a banana boat, resulting in leg injuries.
- August 31, 2015 – Karon Beach, Phuket: An Australian woman, Jane Neame, was bitten on the foot and ankle while wading in shallow water, likely by a small shark, possibly a bull shark.
- April 14, 2018 – Sai Noi Beach: A 54-year-old Norwegian tourist, Werner Danielsen, suffered lacerations to his foot and ankle from a suspected juvenile bull shark.
- April 29, 2018 – Sai Noi Beach: Another minor incident occurred involving a female swimmer who received a minor injury to her ankle.
- January 11, 2020 – Nang Thong Beach, Phang Nga: A 75-year-old German tourist, Hans-Peter Malten, was bitten on the leg by a shark, likely a bull shark or blacktip reef shark.
- May 3, 2022 – Kamala Beach, Phuket: An 8-year-old Thai-Ukrainian boy, Napat Chaiyarak Christenko, was bitten on the calf by a shark, possibly a blacktip reef shark or bull shark.
These incidents are extremely rare, considering the number of tourists and locals who visit Thailand’s beaches each year. Shark attacks in Thailand are uncommon, and most encounters with sharks do not result in harm to humans
Conservation Efforts for Sharks in Thailand
Thailand has recognized the importance of conserving its marine biodiversity, including shark species. Efforts to protect these creatures are driven by concerns over declining shark populations globally and the recognition of sharks’ vital role in marine ecosystems. Here are some key aspects and initiatives in Thailand’s shark conservation efforts:
Marine Protected Areas
Thailand has established several Marine Protected Areas, which are crucial for the conservation of marine life, including sharks. MPAs like the Similan Islands National Park and Surin Islands National Park provide safe habitats for various shark species, protecting them from overfishing and habitat destruction. These protected areas restrict certain human activities, such as fishing and anchoring, to minimize disturbances to the marine environment.
Shark Finning Ban
Thailand has enacted laws to ban shark finning, a practice where sharks are caught, their fins are removed, and the rest of the body is discarded at sea. This practice has significantly contributed to the decline in shark populations worldwide. By banning shark finning, Thailand aims to reduce the demand for shark fins, commonly used in shark fin soup, and to protect shark species from this harmful practice.
Fisheries Management
The Thai government, in collaboration with international organizations, has implemented measures to regulate and manage fisheries. This includes setting quotas and size limits for shark catches and monitoring fishing activities to ensure compliance with regulations. By controlling shark catches, Thailand aims to prevent overfishing and protect vulnerable shark populations.
Eco-Tourism and Responsible Diving
Eco-tourism, particularly diving tourism, plays a significant role in shark conservation in Thailand. Dive operators often follow guidelines for responsible diving, which include maintaining safe distances from marine life, not feeding or touching sharks, and respecting marine protected areas. Some dive shops actively promote shark conservation, educating tourists about the species they encounter and the importance of preserving their habitats.
