Officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) confirmed the rescue took place on Thursday (Apr 2) after a report from citizen scientist Theerasak Saksritavee, who discovered the animal drifting near Tha Hla Beach in Pa Khlok, Thalang.
Staff from the Upper Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center responded to the call and retrieved the turtle, which was unable to dive and remained floating at the surface.
Examination identified the animal as an adult female Green Sea Turtle, measuring 86 centimetres in carapace width and 99cm in length, and weighing approximately 86.7kg.
Although its overall body condition was assessed as moderate, the turtle was found to be weak and heavily encrusted with barnacles and algae. Officials also noted significant injuries, including a large scar on the centre of its shell and a long crack along the rear section of the carapace.
The injuries are believed to have been caused by an impact with a blunt, hard object, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
The turtle has been transferred to the Sirindhorn Rare Marine Animal Rescue Center, where veterinarians are closely monitoring its condition during what officials described as a critical period.
DMCR officers said the incident highlights the ongoing threats faced by rare marine animals in Thai waters, particularly from human activities such as boat traffic, marine debris and fishing gear.
They urged the public to help protect marine life by reducing ocean waste, using resources responsibly and reporting stranded or injured animals to authorities promptly to improve their chances of survival.