This is the harrowing moment a beached dolphin is rescued after it was found splashing around in shallow water.

Passers-by spotted the 4ft-long male on the sane and flipping furiously while being battered by waves in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.

Conservationists arrived and used to blue tarpaulin to create a make-shift pool for the dolphin, which was ferried to the nearest vets to receive urgent care.

Shockingly, wildlife workers said the 21.5kg dolphin was the NINTH that has washed up already this year and they fear more will appear.

Wachirapong Sakulrat, Chairman of the Khanom district Marine and Coastal Resources Conservation Club, is now calling for an investigation.

He said: ''Most of the dolphins have died before reaching the beach but this one was still alive. Nine have beached this year and it is very abnormal.

''Members of the conservation groups must find a solution. The dolphin conservation area must be declared. And we must establish a rare marine animal rescue centre.

''There must be regular staff at the center 24 hours to be able to help dolphins accurately and promptly.

''Dolphins are the most important factor in promoting seafront tourism. If the death of the dolphins is not addressed, there may not have any dolphins to watch anymore.''