A Sri Lankan man has been arrested at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport for attempting to smuggle three ball pythons concealed in his underwear.
The suspect, identified only as Shehan, was apprehended by Thailand’s Wildlife Enforcement Network (WEN) on Wednesday following a body search. The snakes were found hidden in net bags strapped to his body.
Authorities said they had received intelligence the day before about Shehan’s arrival and monitored his movements due to his suspected links to international wildlife trafficking.
Ball pythons are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and cannot be transported across borders without permits.
Shehan faces serious charges for illegal wildlife export and customs violations, with potential penalties including up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 1 million baht (US$30,900).
Background checks revealed Shehan had previously been arrested in Colombo for attempting to traffic various exotic animals including meerkats, iguanas, and cockatoos.
Though his luggage revealed no suspicious items, an X-ray and body search uncovered the reptiles hidden under his clothing.
Authorities say Thailand continues to be a key transit point for global wildlife trafficking, with more than 7,000 animals seized along the Thailand–India air route in recent years.
Investigations into the latest case are ongoing.
