Dead deer found in Thai park with stomach full of plastic waste

Exclusive Report By LINDA KHOO

BANGKOK, Nov 26 -- A wild deer was found dead in a national park, and seven kilogrammes of plastic waste, including plastic bags, rubber gloves and underwear were discovered in its stomach.  

The 10-year-old stag was found at the Khun Sathan National Park in Nan Province in Northern Thailand on Monday.

The 200 kg deer was found in poor condition with some fur loss and deterioration of its hoof. It is believed the stag died at least two days before the body was discovered.

Director of the Protected Area Regional Office 13 (Phrae) Kriangsak Thanompan said autopsy found about seven kg of plastic in its rumen including plastic bags, coffee and instant noodle packets, handkerchiefs, underwear, rope and rubber gloves.

“The plastic waste in the stag rumen was accumulated over the years. We believed ingestion of plastic is one of the causes that contributed to his death.

“We need to reduce plastic waste especially single-use plastic,” he said in a statement.

The heartbreaking discovery raised the alarm on plastic waste littering especially in national parks in the kingdom.

In August, a sick baby dugong, Mariam died from a stomach infection caused by swallowing bits of plastic.

Thailand is one of the world’s largest consumers of plastic. Beginning January next year, major operators including 7-Eleven convenience stores will stop providing single-use plastic bags.

-- BERNAMA