Dead sea turtle in Thailand shines spotlight on environmental impact of Loy Krathong festival
Last month, a dead sea turtle was washed ashore in Chonburi. It was identified as a female endangered green sea turtle aged about 20.
An examination by the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre in the Thai coastal province later showed its intestines were full of nylon string and fibre from fishing nets, plastic debris, nails and even pins.
Marine trash obstructed the animal’s gastrointestinal system and eventually killed it.
Among the culprits: The recent annual festival of Loy Krathong.
This case has sparked discussions about marine waste and the annual celebration of Loy Krathong – an old tradition in Thailand where people pay respects to the goddess of water on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month.
Pichayada Promchertchoo
