Are There Sharks In Thailand? Know Before You Go
Thailand is known for its beautiful beaches and gorgeous turquoise waters. But one thing people always wonder is if there are sharks in Thailand.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Thailand and I’ve visited the large majority of the most popular islands in the south.
To cut to the chase, there are sharks in Thailand. But it’s uncommon for there to be attacks.
I’ll go into more information throughout this post with everything you need to know before taking your trip to the Land of Smiles.
Are There Sharks In Thailand?
Yes, there are sharks in Thailand. It is possible to see sharks during a trip to the country.
The two seas which surround Thailand are the Andaman Sea (of the Indian Ocean) and the Gulf of Thailand (of the Pacific). Both of these seas have sharks living in them, meaning it’s possible to see them in Thailand.
It’s not particularly common to see adult sharks during your trip. Don’t get me wrong, it can happen, but it’s not an everyday occurrence for most travellers.
You will be more likely to see baby sharks (do do do do) as they come much closer to the shore. When I took a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands from Krabi, I saw a baby shark in Maya Bay.
Unfortunately, I lost my GoPro which had the photos on it, so I can’t show you, but I’ve seen sharks first-hand in Thailand.
I’ve also seen baby Leopard Sharks while snorkelling but again, lost the footage on the GoPro. It’s off the coast of Koh Phi Phi if anyone wants to go looking haha!
If you’re scared of sharks, don’t worry, it’s not likely to be a problem. You can relax on beaches and swim in the sea without a concern in the world. You probably won’t see an adult as I said, but even if you do, it is more scared of you than you are of it.
The sharks which you are most likely to see such as blacktip reef sharks are very shy animals and tend to avoid human interaction.
And to be honest, if you have something to be scared of in the ocean in Thailand, it should be jellyfish. They are a lot more common in Thailand.
As of writing this in March 2024, the last shark attack in Thailand was in May 2022, nearly 2 years ago, and the one before that was in July 2021. The one before that was May 2020.
For reference, 30-40 million people visit Thailand every year, so it shows how uncommon these attacks are.
If you do want to see sharks, there are some hotspots you can go to such as the aptly named Shark Bay in Koh Tao. If you want to scuba dive, you can also see some adult sharks too. Note that certain times of the year are better than others.
So to summarise, yes, there are sharks in Thailand. You are unlikely to see one, but you might see baby sharks. And if you see a shark of any kind, it’s unlikely to bother you.
What Types Of Sharks Are In Thailand?
There are a ton of species of sharks living in Thailand. In fact, there are 87 different species.
Unfortunately, 75 of these 87 species are endangered, which is pretty sad news – even if you are scared of sharks.
The most common sharks to be spotted in the country are:
- Leopard Sharks
- Blacktip Reef Sharks
- Bamboo Sharks
- Whale Sharks
- Whitetip Reef Sharks
- Grey Reef Sharks
- Nurse Sharks
- Tiger Sharks
But the list is huge! You can also spot some pretty well-known species such as Bull Sharks and the infamous Hammerhead Sharks, but these sightings are rarer. The others above are pretty certainly always in Thai waters – you just might not see them.
If you want to see even more famous sharks, there are Great White Sharks in Vietnam although sightings are rare.
Are The Sharks In Thailand Dangerous?
Now that I’ve told you that Thailand does have sharks, you might be panicking and wondering if they are dangerous. As I’ve alluded to already, not overly.
Obviously, at the end of the day, sharks are wild animals and anything can happen, but for the most part, they are harmless.
The vast majority of shark species found in Thailand pose little to no threat to humans. The most common types of sharks listed above are all pretty shy, and will maybe approach a human out of curiosity, but are unlikely to attack unless they feel threatened.
Shark Attacks In Thailand
Since 1966, there have only been 11 recorded shark attacks in Thailand. That’s one every 5 years on average.
And out of those 11, only 3 have been fatal (and one of them was provoked).
The most common shark to attack is a bull shark, but there is no pattern in the location. There have been attacks in Phuket, Hua Hin, and a few other regions.
So even if you see a shark in Thailand, the odds are that it won’t attack you, and even if it does attack you, the odds are that it will only result in injury, not death.
Make sure you continue reading to know what to do if you encounter a shark in the wild.
Where Are There Sharks In Thailand?
There are sharks all across the south of Thailand. Anywhere that Thailand touches the ocean, there is a potential for there to be sharks. If you’re backpacking Thailand or travelling across the country, you’ll probably visit a lot of places which have sharks.
It goes without saying that there are no sharks in Bangkok or in the north of Thailand as there are no seas in these areas, but anywhere in the south including the islands and the mainland’s beaches, there is a potential for there to be sharks.
Best Places To See Sharks In Thailand
Koh Tao
- Shark Bay: True to its name, Shark Bay is a hotspot for spotting blacktip reef sharks. These sharks are often seen in the shallow waters, making it an excellent place for snorkelers.
- Southwest Pinnacle & Chumphon Pinnacle: These dive sites are known for their chance encounters with whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea, especially during the season between March and May.
Similan Islands
- Richelieu Rock: This world-renowned scuba diving site is famous for its stunning coral reefs and a high chance of spotting whale sharks and manta rays. It’s a must-visit for divers hoping to see these gentle giants.
- Koh Bon: Known for manta ray sightings, Koh Bon also offers opportunities to see various shark species, including leopard sharks.
Phi Phi Islands
- Shark Point: Despite its ominous name, Shark Point is a colourful and vibrant dive site home to leopard sharks lying on the sandy bottom. It’s also known for its beautiful coral formations and abundant marine life.
- Bida Islands: Close to Phi Phi, the Bida Islands are great for spotting blacktip reef sharks among the stunning coral reefs.
Are There Sharks In Phuket?
Phuket’s waters are home to various marine life, including sharks. As the island sits on the Andaman Sea, there is a possibility of seeing the underwater animals.
The most commonly encountered species around Phuket are blacktip reef sharks, which are often seen by divers and snorkelers around the coral reefs. These sharks are generally not aggressive and are considered harmless to humans.
That being said, there have been reported shark attacks in Phuket. But remember, once on average every 5 years across the whole of Thailand.
Are There Sharks In Koh Samui?
Shark sightings around Koh Samui are less common compared to other Thai islands.
However, there have been occasional sightings of blacktip reef sharks and whale sharks (the latter especially when venturing further out into deeper waters on diving trips). Whale sharks, being filter feeders, are harmless and a fantastic sight for divers.
You can party on Koh Samui without having to worry about seeing sharks – it’s not a hotspot.
Are There Sharks In Phi Phi Islands?
The waters around the Phi Phi Islands are known for their diverse underwater life, including sharks.
Blacktip reef sharks are the most commonly sighted, particularly around the smaller, less inhabited islands and in the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. When I was in Maya Bay, I saw a baby blacktip in the shallow waters.
Leopard sharks, which are bottom dwellers and harmless to humans, can also occasionally be encountered by divers. I have seen these on the sea floor when snorkelling in the Phi Phi Islands.
Are There Sharks In Pattaya?
Shark sightings in Pattaya are rare, and the area is not typically known for its shark population.
But there are shark species in the Gulf of Thailand, and this means that very occasional sightings of smaller sharks may occur.
For those interested in seeing sharks, some controlled environments like the Underwater World Pattaya offer safe viewing opportunities.
Are There Sharks In Krabi?
If you are backpacking Krabi, you might be wondering if there is a chance of seeing sharks.
With its stunning coastline and clear waters, Krabi does have sharks in its vicinity. Blacktip reef sharks and leopard sharks are the species that divers and snorkelers might encounter, especially around the islands off the coast of Krabi such as near Ao Nang and the Phi Phi Islands.
To clarify, Krabi is a province which means the Phi Phi Islands are also considered part of Krabi.
Are There Sharks In Koh Tao?
Koh Tao is a well-known diving destination and is perhaps the most famous spot in Thailand for encountering sharks, particularly blacktip reef sharks and the occasional whale shark.
Shark Bay and Chumphon Pinnacle are popular sites where divers and snorkelers have a good chance of seeing these magnificent creatures.
If you want to get your PADI while travelling Thailand, Koh Tao is the place to do it. I did mine with Roctopus.
What To Do If You Encounter A Shark
Before getting into what to do if you encounter a shark, here are some tips for lowering the chances of encountering one in the first place.
- Swim in Designated Areas: Stick to swimming areas recommended by local authorities or your tour operator.
- Avoid Swimming at Dawn and Dusk: These times are when sharks are most active and likely to be feeding.
- Don’t Swim Alone: Always swim with a buddy or in a group.
- Avoid Areas with Fishing Activity: Fishing can attract sharks, so it’s best to swim away from these areas.
- Avoid Wearing Shiny Objects: Shiny jewellery or watches can resemble fish scales and attract sharks. If you’re in an area known for shark activity, it’s best to remove such items before entering the water.
But if you do encounter a shark, this is what you should do:
- Stay Calm and Composed: Avoid panic. Panicking can make you appear distressed, which might attract more attention from the shark.
- Maintain Eye Contact: Try to keep the shark in your field of vision. Sharks often avoid direct confrontation, so keeping an eye on them can discourage them from coming closer.
- Stay Vertical: Try to maintain a vertical position in the water. This makes you appear larger and less like the shark’s typical prey, which is usually horizontal in the water.
- Slowly Back Away: If possible, slowly and calmly back away from the shark. Do this without splashing or making rapid movements, as this could provoke curiosity or aggression.
- Push it under you: If a shark swims at you, see if it’s possible to redivert its direction by pushing it to the side of you or pushing it under you. It actually might be easier than you think.
- Defend Yourself if Necessary: If a shark seems aggressive, experts recommend defending yourself by targeting its sensitive areas such as the eyes or gills with a firm push or punch. However, this is only as a last resort.
- Get Out of the Water: When it’s safe to do so, slowly and calmly move towards the shore or back to your boat. Avoid rapid movements or splashing as you exit the water.
- Avoid Isolation: If you’re swimming in a group and you spot a shark, stay together. Sharks are more likely to stay away from groups of people.
- Do Not Block Their Path: If a shark is swimming towards you, try not to block its path. Allow it room to pass; most sharks are not interested in humans and are likely just curious.
FAQs
Below are some common questions related to sharks in Thailand along with my answers to each question.
While there are sharks in Thailand’s waters, the species commonly encountered by tourists are not typically aggressive. Species like the Blacktip Reef Shark, Leopard Shark, and occasionally Whale Sharks (which are gentle giants) are more common. These species tend to keep to themselves and are usually not a threat to humans.
Yes, Thailand’s beaches are generally safe to swim in. While the presence of marine life, including sharks, is a natural part of the ocean’s ecosystem, encounters with dangerous sharks are extremely rare. Beaches popular with tourists often have safety measures in place, including lifeguards and designated swimming zones.
Swimming in Thailand is considered safe. Though as with any beach destination, it’s important to follow standard safety practices, such as swimming in designated areas, paying attention to local advisories, and being mindful of marine life.
The majority of shark species in Thai waters are not dangerous to humans. Aggressive shark encounters are exceedingly rare in Thailand. The sharks that are found, such as the Blacktip Reef Shark and Leopard Shark, are known for being docile and shy around humans.
Great White Sharks are not found in Thailand. The waters around Thailand are warm tropical waters, whereas Great White Sharks prefer cooler waters and are more commonly found in regions like South Africa, Australia, and the coasts of California and the northeastern United States.
Sightings of hammerhead sharks in Thailand are rare, but they have been spotted before. The types of environments that most Thai beaches offer (shallow, coral-rich, and clear waters) are not the preferred habitat of large hammerhead sharks. If present, they are likely to be found in deeper waters away from popular swimming areas.
The Wrap Up
And there you have it, a complete guide to sharks in Thailand.
If you want to see these beautiful animals during your trip, then you’re in luck as there are spots where it’s easy to see them.
On the other hand, if you are scared of sharks and want to avoid them at all costs, it’s not likely something which will ruin your trip. You’ll probably not even see one.
Now that you know all about Thailand’s sharks, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind. And speaking of peace of mind, I recommend getting a Thai eSIM to avoid any stress of connecting to the internet when you arrive.
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