Suvarnabhumi Checkpoint Intercepts Taiwanese Woman Smuggling 30 Indian Star Tortoises

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants is intensifying efforts against illegal wildlife trafficking in response to policy directives from the Natural Resources and Environment Minister. On April 28, 2025, at 5:25 a.m., wildlife checkpoint officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport in coordination with customs, airport police, and security personnel intercepted a 19-year-old Taiwanese passenger boarding VietJet Air flight VZ568 bound for Taipei. Upon detailed inspection, authorities discovered the suspect was carrying prohibited wildlife concealed on her body. She had used tape to immobilize the animals and packed them in fabric bags attached to her clothing to evade scanner detection.

Investigators identified 30 Indian star tortoises (Indian Star Tortoise), endangered species protected under international CITES regulations, consisting of 29 live specimens and one carcass. These animals command high prices on the black market. The suspect has been taken into custody with charges filed under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562 (Sections 19 and 23) for illegal wildlife export, the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (Sections 242 and 252) for attempting to smuggle goods across borders, and the Animal Epidemic Act B.E. 2558 for exporting animals without proper authorization. The living specimens have been transferred to wildlife authorities for emergency care while serving as evidence for species identification and further investigation into the trafficking network.