19-year-old Arrested at Bangkok Airport for Smuggling Protected Tortoises Taped to Her Body

A 19-year-old woman has been arrested by Thai authorities at Suvarnabhumi Airport after she was caught attempting to smuggle dozens of protected tortoises by taping them to her body.

According to officials, the suspect—identified as a Taiwanese national—drew attention due to her unusual behavior while preparing to board a flight to Taipei.

When she was stopped and searched by airport officials, authorities discovered 30 tortoises concealed on her body. Reports indicate that 29 of the animals were found alive, while one was dead.

Thailand’s wildlife conservation department revealed that the tortoises had been immobilised using adhesive tape, placed in small cloth bags, and tightly strapped to her body in an apparent attempt to evade detection.

The animals were identified as Indian star tortoise, a species protected under international law. Authorities noted that the tortoises are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and are highly sought after on the black market.

The seized animals were estimated to have a street value of around $9,000.

The suspect has since been charged with illegal transportation of protected wildlife and attempting to bypass customs regulations.

Investigators are now working to determine whether she is connected to a larger wildlife trafficking network, as such smuggling operations are often linked to organized illegal trade.

Meanwhile, the surviving tortoises have been handed over to wildlife officials for proper care. Authorities also confirmed that the animals will be used as evidence in the ongoing case.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies the Indian star tortoise as a vulnerable species, highlighting that it is frequently targeted for the illegal exotic pet trade.

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