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The gigantic whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is an unusual sight in the northern Gulf of Thailand, and even more so at the Pattaya Islands.
Yet... scuba divers and snorkelers had a special Christmas gift when a chance meeting with a four (4) metre whale shark occurred at the Pattaya coral island of Koh Sak.
It is true to say that whale sharks have been spotted in the southern province of Rayong on several occasions.
But, it's been many years since they migrated so far north towards the capital city Bangkok.
Whale sharks are unmistakably the largest surviving fish in the animal kingdom.
A huge shark - not a whale - can be seen interacting with scuba divers and snorkelers - seemingly quite happy to be the main attraction in the whale shark video below.
In fact, individual species can weigh up to twenty (20) metric tons and grow up to eighteen (18) metres long (60 feet).
Our sea life section contains more whale shark fun facts with interesting information about Rhincodon typus - the biggest fish in the sea.
Follow the link and find out exactly where these colossal vertebrates still exist today, what they eat, and how they reproduce.
Pro Tip: The short video clip [2:23 seconds] presented by "Pattaya Dive Centre" contains genuine footage of people diving and snorkeling with a 4-metre whale shark near Pattaya.