Marine officials launched an investigation on July 24 after a dead dugong was found with both tusks removed in Krabi, with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) preparing legal action against those responsible if identified.

The male dugong was reported washed ashore at Laem Son Na in Koh Sriboya subdistrict, Nuea Khlong district. It measured 296 centimetres in length and was in the early stages of decomposition, although the body remained largely intact apart from minor abrasions consistent with beaching.

Photo via Department of Marine and Coastal Resources

Officials found that both tusks had been cut from the animal and identified wounds around its mouth caused by a sharp object. They suspect the tusks were removed after the dugong died. The carcass was then taken to the Lower Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre for a full necropsy to determine the cause of death.

The dugong is a protected species under Thai law and is also classified as a rare marine animal. It plays an important role in maintaining healthy seagrass ecosystems.

Photo via Department of Marine and Coastal Resources

Marine officials said the illegal removal of tusks or damage to a dugong carcass destroys valuable natural resources and constitutes a serious criminal offence.

Officials filed a police report at Khlong Khanan Police Station in Nuea Khlong district on July 24 and said they would pursue legal action under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act 2019.

Anyone convicted of illegally removing the tusks or otherwise unlawfully interfering with a dugong carcass faces three to 15 years’ imprisonment, a fine of 300,000 to 1.5 million baht, or both.

Photo via Department of Marine and Coastal Resources

In related news, conservationists in Thailand are working to restore seagrass beds in the Andaman Sea after dugong numbers dropped sharply due to food loss and habitat damage.