Ancient whale skeleton discovered in Thailand

So far, more than 80% of the skeleton has been recovered 12km inland from the coastline, west of Bangkok.

Ancient whale skeleton found in Thailand (FACEBOOK.COM/TOPVARAWUT)

In an extremely rare finding, a skeleton of whale estimated to be up to 5,000 years old, has been discovered in Thailand.

The 12m (39ft) long, partially fossilised skeleton was found 12km inland in Samut Sakhon, a central Thailand province.

More than 80% of the skeleton has been discovered, including a three metre skull, 19 complete vertebrae, five ribs, a shoulder blade, and fins.  

The skeleton is said to be of Bryde's whale, "a rare find” that may provide a “window into the past”, claim sea and biodiversity researchers.  

“The discovery will allow researchers to find out more about the particular species in the past, whether there were any differences compared to today's Bryde's whales,” the BBC quoted Marcus Chua, a mammal researcher at the National University of Singapore.

Thailand's environment minister Varawut Silpa-archa shared the pictures, saying it is the responsibility of the current generation to preserve the rich, fertile marine environment of the country.

The bones of the massive whale will be carbon-dated to determine their exact age and the results are expected next month.