Suvarnabhumi seizes 126 reptiles in postal parcels

Thai wildlife and customs officers have seized 126 live reptiles, including 88 ball pythons and ornamental snakes, from two postal parcels at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The parcels, sent from Surat Thani and addressed to the Philippines, were falsely declared as dried fruit snacks and food. They were intercepted on 12 August 2026 during cargo screening at the airport in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan.

The operation involved the Suvarnabhumi Airport Wildlife Checkpoint, which is under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, alongside the Customs Department's investigation and suppression unit and the Suvarnabhumi Postal Centre.

X-ray checks revealed live animals

Officers had been assessing risks linked to prohibited goods being exported through the Suvarnabhumi Postal Centre and the airport's outbound cargo inspection facility in the Free Zone.

During X-ray checks on two international registered post parcels, staff spotted objects that appeared to be living creatures. A closer inspection found reptiles packed into cloth bags and transparent plastic containers.

The two parcels had a combined weight of more than 18kg.

The seizure included four sulcata tortoises, 16 iguanas, 88 ball pythons and ornamental snakes, 16 tegus, spiny-tailed lizards and bearded dragons, and two leopard geckos.

Case sent to airport police

Komkrit Pinsai, head of the Suvarnabhumi Airport Wildlife Checkpoint, said posting wildlife internationally was a serious offence. He said the method also caused suffering to the animals and could contribute to the spread of infectious diseases.

Authorities are increasing cooperation between agencies to improve screening, including by analysing shipping patterns and using detection technology. The aim is to stop Thailand being used as a transit route in the illegal wildlife trade, Komkrit said.

The animals were confiscated and the case was filed under Section 23 of the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act 2019, covering the export of regulated wildlife without permission. It also cites Section 242 together with Sections 166 and 167 of the Customs Act 2017, and Section 31 of the Animal Epidemics Act 2015.

Investigators at Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station will collect evidence and try to identify the sender and others involved for legal action. The reptiles have been handed to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation's Wildlife Health Management Group for further care.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

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14 August 2026