Taiwanese Tourist Caught with 30 Turtles Taped to Her Body at Bangkok Airport

A 19-year-old Taiwanese tourist was arrested at Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport after customs officials discovered 30 live turtles strapped to her body with adhesive tape. The woman was preparing to board a VietJet Air flight to Taipei when her unusual gait caught the attention of security personnel. A thorough search revealed the reptiles—Indian star tortoises, a species listed under the highest level of international protection—hidden beneath her clothing. These tortoises are highly sought after in the illegal exotic pet trade. One turtle did not survive the ordeal. The passenger now faces criminal charges. The surviving animals were handed over to Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation for urgent care. This incident follows a similar case in Hong Kong, where two women were caught trying to smuggle 68 turtles under their skirts at a port. Their odd movements as they passed through the green customs channel gave them away.