Pictures courtesy of Komchadluek 

 

A sea turtle that swallowed a tourist wristband during a snorkelling trip in the Similan Islands has successfully passed the item after 27 days and is being prepared for release back into the sea. The Upper Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre (ศวอบ.) confirmed the outcome on 18 December 2568, marking the end of an intensive monitoring and treatment period. The case highlights ongoing risks to marine wildlife from debris associated with tourism activities.

 

The incident occurred on 21 November, when the turtle ingested a wristband left by a tourist during a snorkelling activity in the Similan Islands. After the event was reported, officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation tracked the turtle near Koh Ha and Koh Hok. The animal was transported to Thap Lamu Pier and transferred to the Upper Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre for urgent examination and care.

 

Veterinarians from the Sireetharn Rare Marine Animal Rescue Centre monitored the turtle closely from the first day of treatment. X-ray imaging combined with a contrast medium confirmed that the wristband was lodged in the digestive tract without causing an obstruction. Blood test results were within normal ranges and the turtle continued to eat and defecate normally during observation.

 

However, examinations of the turtle’s faeces revealed fragments of plant material and fruit not considered part of its natural diet. These included pineapple leaves, papaya seeds and banana leaves, indicating exposure to inappropriate food or waste in the marine environment. Despite these findings, the turtle’s overall condition remained stable throughout the monitoring period.

 

On 18 December, the turtle successfully excreted a yellow wristband, completing a 27-day period from ingestion to elimination. Veterinary staff subsequently continued health assessments to ensure there were no remaining complications. The centre then coordinated with national park authorities to plan the turtle’s return to its natural habitat.

 

Komchadluek reported that officials used the case to reiterate the importance of appropriate management of marine tourism activities. They stressed the need to prevent waste and foreign objects from entering the sea to reduce risks to marine animals. The turtle is expected to be released back into the Similan Islands once final health checks are completed.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A sea turtle passed a tourist wristband 27 days after swallowing it in the Similan Islands.

• Veterinary monitoring confirmed no obstruction and stable health throughout treatment.

• Authorities plan to release the turtle and reinforce responsible marine tourism practices.

 

Original story

 

Similan-officials-hunt-tourist-who-fed-wristband-to-sea-turtle

 

 

 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Komchadluek 2025-12-20

 

 

 

27 days! That sea turtle needs more fiber in its diet!

Off topic post removed.

 

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