Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

Authorities have launched a search for a tourist filmed feeding a wristband to a sea turtle while snorkeling at the Similan Islands, prompting an urgent rescue operation for the affected animal. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) confirmed the incident occurred on November 21 at Islands Five and Six within the Mu Ko Similan National Park. The turtle was found the following day and transferred for medical assessment after concerns it may have ingested the foreign object.

 

A good-faith visitor recorded underwater video of the tourist extending a wristband toward the turtle during a snorkeling activity. The footage was reported to the DNP and passed to park officials, who began verifying details and tracing the identity of both the turtle and the tourist involved. The incident occurred amid ongoing efforts to safeguard marine wildlife in the protected archipelago, which enforces strict regulations on visitor conduct.

 

After initial checks, Similan National Park’s academic and recreation team coordinated with its diving operations unit to identify the turtle through unique physical markers. Specialists from the Upper Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center and the National Marine Park Research and Study Center No. 2 in Phuket were consulted to plan assistance. On November 22, the diving unit successfully located the same turtle near Islands Five and Six and brought it aboard a vessel for transport to Thap Lamu Pier.

 

The turtle was then handed over to the Upper Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center for examination and treatment. DNP Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa said the park has contacted tour operators to obtain relevant evidence that may help identify the tourist. He also encouraged the public to report information to hotline 1362, noting that a reward is available for leads.

 

Authorities reiterated that strict compliance with the Similan Islands’ 2026 tourism regulations is mandatory for all tour companies and visitors. Park officials emphasised that feeding marine animals, disturbing wildlife, or introducing foreign objects into the environment violates park rules and can cause significant harm. The case underscores heightened vigilance around human–wildlife interactions as visitor numbers increase during the high season.

 

Matichon reported that the DNP confirmed that legal action will follow once the tourist is identified and evidence is verified. Officials will continue reviewing operator logs and tourist records to narrow the search. Further updates will depend on the turtle’s medical evaluation and the progress of the investigation.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A tourist was filmed feeding a wristband to a sea turtle at the Similan Islands on November 21.

• The turtle was located on November 22 and transferred for medical examination and treatment.

• Authorities are seeking the tourist, coordinating with tour operators, and urging public reports via hotline 1362.

 

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 Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Matichon 2025-11-23

 

 

 

Name & Shame with photo is the best punishment for such a thoughtless act.

Hope they find out who this idiot is and punish him accordingly. 

10 minutes ago, jcmj said:

Hope they find out who this idiot is and punish him accordingly. 

Ditto, what a dumb-ass thing to do

I hope this moron is found, then fed a plateful of wristbands washed down with caustic soda.

Find him, fine him, jail him, and then deport. 

Video of the incident courtesy of Phuketinsta.

 

 

Lucky to find the Turtle, Now I hope they get lucky again and catch the tool who did it, 

Sea Turtle Recovers After Swallowing Tourists' Wristband

 

Photo via Facebook/ กรมทรัพยากรทางทะเลและชายฝั่ง

 

A sea turtle that swallowed a tourist's wristband is expected to pass the item naturally within the next 30 to 40 days, according to marine officials. The incident occurred during a diving trip at Mu Ko Similan National Park in Phang Nga and was captured on video. The tourist involved remains unidentified and is currently at large.

 

The footage went viral last month, showing the tourist feeding a yellow wristband to the turtle, which consumed it immediately. Supawinee Tangphithak, who shared the video, only discovered the feeding while reviewing her recordings later and could not identify the suspect. After the video gained attention, officials tracked down the turtle and took it to the Phuket Marine Biological Centre for examination.

 

On December 9, Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, provided updates on the turtle's condition. Veterinarians performed an endoscopic examination, X-rays, and a barium swallow to confirm the wristband's location. The item was found in the midsection of the turtle’s digestive tract, posing a potential threat to its health, though experts remain optimistic about its natural passage.

 

Continuous monitoring and medical evaluations confirm the turtle is in good health with no external injuries, normal responses, and blood tests showing acceptable results. Officials have emphasized the importance of not feeding or touching marine animals to prevent injury or other health issues.

 

As the search for the responsible tourist continues, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation has requested public assistance. They have set up a hotline, 1362, and are offering a reward for information leading to the suspect's identification, reported The Thaiger.

 

Key Takeaways

• A turtle that swallowed a wristband is being monitored for natural expulsion.
• The tourist responsible remains unidentified; public help is solicited.
• Officials stress the dangers of feeding and handling marine wildlife.

 

Related Stories:

Dead sea turtle on Phang Nga beach renews pollution alarm

Dead Sea Turtle Washes Ashore on Jomtien Beach

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-12-10