Phuket International Airport security personnel Chana Wongthanawiruth reported that the whale shark was spotted about two kilometres from the runway at about 5pm while he was teaching trainees on how to operate a boat.
“We were excited when we saw the whale shark broke the surface of the water to catch small fish. It stayed on the surface for a bit before it dived. I think it was frightened by the sound of the boat’s engine,” he said.
“It has been a long time since we spotted a whale shark off Naiyang Beach,” said Mr Chana, who hails from a local Naiyang family.
“Last time was 30 years ago, but it was dead. It was trapped in a fishnet before the body washed onto the beach,” Mr Chana said.
“Today we saw a live one, which is a good sign. It lets us know that natural resources in these area are abundant. We are starting to see coral, sea turtles or other marine animals that we hardly see in this area,” he added.
Mr Chana expressed concern that the whale shark spotted on Monday might be harmed, accidentally or otherwise, by people in the area.
“I worry that the whale shark we saw today will be harmed by tourists, fishermen, fishing boats and animal traps. I urge everyone to help protect our marine animals,” he said.