PHUKET — 29 May 2026, A peculiar white mass that has surfaced on a Phuket beach has ignited considerable speculation online, with experts suggesting it might be a ‘globster’—the decomposed remains of a substantial marine creature. The initial discovery was made by a Facebook user named Kom Niran, who shared photos and videos of the object found on Layan Beach, situated within Sirinat National Park in the Thalang district of Phuket. The images displayed a sizable white mass, resembling fibrous, hair-like strands, lying on the shore, having been brought in by the waves. This post quickly garnered hundreds of comments, leading social media users to debate the nature of the object. The individual who posted the content described it as large and emitting a foul odor, noting the presence of hard material within. Some users speculated it to be the remains of a large marine animal, while others proposed it could be parts of a whale or another sea creature due to its unusual characteristics. Experts explained that such objects are commonly referred to as ‘globsters,’ a term designated for large organic masses that wash ashore and defy immediate identification based on appearance. While often mistaken for sea monsters, scientific studies and DNA testing from earlier occurrences have revealed that most globsters are, in fact, the decomposed remains of large marine animals, including whales and basking sharks. The fibrous strands enveloping these carcasses are typically collagen fibers, muscle tissue, and connective tissue that persist after the softer tissues have decomposed, contributing to their odd appearance. Globsters generally display a greyish-white color, have a rubbery texture, emit a strong odor due to decomposition, and lack recognizable features such as a head, eyes, or bones. They are frequently discovered following rough seas or stormy weather conditions. At this time, authorities have not confirmed the identity of the object found on the beach. However, based on its appearance and previous scientific findings, experts suspect it could be decomposed fatty tissue or other remains from a large whale. Additionally, experts cautioned the public against direct contact with such remains, as they may harbor bacteria and other microorganisms linked to decomposition. Sirinat National Park later confirmed that officials had responded to reports of an object washed ashore near Trisara Resort in the Cherng Talay area of Phuket. Karanikar Wongmitrtae, the assistant chief of Sirinat National Park, along with park officials, inspected the site and removed the remains from the beach. The park collaborated with the Upper Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre, whose personnel collected samples for further analysis and identification.
Source: Khaosod English
