PUBLISHED : 20 Dec 2025 at 16:47
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A veterinarian tries to remove a 20cm wristband from a sea turtle that had inadvertently swallowed it, during a rescue operation at Mu Ko Similan National Park in Phangnga province. (Photos: Mu Ko Similan National Park)
A sea turtle that unknowingly swallowed a plastic wristband handed to it by a tourist has finally been able to pass the object nearly a month later, according to veterinarians at Mu Ko Similan National Park in southern Thailand.
Reports surfaced on Nov 21 that a visitor to the national park in Phangnga province had allowed a sea turtle, an endangered marine animal, to consume their wristband.
Upon learning of the incident, park officials urgently located the turtle and transported it to the Sireetarn Marine Endangered Species Rescue Centre.
At the facility, the foreign object was confirmed to be in the animal’s digestible tract.
Personnel closely monitored the health of the sea creature for 27 days before it was finally able to safely relieve itself of the 20-centimetre band on Thursday.
Blood tests conducted after the movement have confirmed normal readings, and the turtle is now able to eat and defecate on its own.
After a period of observation to ensure its safety, the turtle is to be returned to the wild off Koh Miang.
