Overview
- Security officers at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport detained a 19-year-old traveler after finding 30 Indian star tortoises on her body during screening.
- The reptiles were stuffed in small cloth sacks and taped under her clothing, and authorities said one had already died.
- She was preparing to fly to Taipei on a VietJetAir service when officers flagged her unusual body movements.
- Police took her into custody and wildlife inspectors opened an investigation under Thailand’s Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act, which can bring up to 10 years in prison or a fine of 1 million baht.
- Indian star tortoises are listed under CITES and are sought on black markets for the pet trade, a demand that fuels risky smuggling in which many animals do not survive.