A Sea Turtle on Ban Tai Beach

“by supporting conservation, making mindful choices, and caring for the seas that sustain us, we can help ensure that future generations will have the chance to see these gentle giants gliding through Samui’s turquoise waters”

A Sea Turtle on Ban Tai Beach: A Reminder of Why Conservation Matters

It was a quiet morning when an unexpected discovery was made on Ban Tai Beach, just steps away from the waves. A sea turtle, majestic even in its stillness, had washed ashore. Sadly, it bore a deep wound that told the story of a life cut short.

The Ban Tai Blue Crab Bank, the Coastal Conservation Group, and the Fisheries Office arrived on the scene quickly. Together, they carefully recorded the details, took measurements, and respectfully removed the turtle for further study. While the exact cause of death is still being investigated, the presence of such a wound was a sobering reminder of the challenges these incredible creatures face in our waters.

Sea turtles have long been part of Koh Samui’s marine ecosystem, with the green sea turtle being the most frequently seen in local waters. In recent years, especially during the quieter tourism period of 2020, Samui witnessed a surprising resurgence in nesting activity. Several beaches became temporary turtle nurseries, with hundreds of hatchlings safely making their way back to the sea—an encouraging sign that reduced human impact can create safer conditions for these endangered animals. Occasional sightings of hawksbill turtles and records of olive ridleys in nearby Ang Thong National Park highlight the region’s biodiversity, though such events remain rare.

Despite these positive moments, long-term studies show that turtle populations in the Gulf of Thailand have been declining, with nesting activity dropping to less than half of what it was in the mid-1990s. The threats are varied—ranging from plastic pollution and fishing bycatch to coastal development that disrupts nesting beaches. This makes the role of local conservation groups and community-led initiatives around Samui, Phangan, and Ang Thong all the more important. Their work ensures that when turtles do return to these shores, the beaches and surrounding waters remain a safe place for them to thrive.

Why Sea Turtles Matter to Koh Samui

Sea turtles are more than just a rare and beautiful sight; they are an essential part of the marine ecosystem. Their presence signals a healthy food chain, helping to keep seagrass beds and coral reefs in balance. These reefs and grasses, in turn, sustain the fish, crabs, and marine life that so many families and communities depend on here in Samui, Phangan, and Ang Thong.

But sea turtles are vulnerable. Around the world—and here on our island—they face countless threats:

• Entanglement in fishing nets

• Injuries from boat propellers

• Ingestion of plastic waste

• Habitat loss due to development and erosion

Each time we see a turtle, whether while diving, snorkeling, or just walking along the shoreline, it is a gift. And each loss reminds us of how fragile their future really is.

The Local Heroes Protecting Our Waters

Moments like this show just how important the work of local conservation groups is.

Ban Tai Blue Crab Bank isn’t only about restoring crab populations. Their work extends to marine education and awareness, teaching younger generations why protecting the ocean matters.

The Fisheries Office plays a key role in monitoring and managing marine biodiversity around Samui, ensuring that sustainable practices and fishing laws are upheld.

These organizations may not always be in the spotlight, but their efforts ripple far beyond the shoreline.

What We Can All Do to Help

Protecting sea turtles and other marine life doesn’t always require big actions. Small choices, made consistently, create real impact. Here’s how you can make a difference:

Reduce plastic waste: Carry a reusable bottle or bag, and say no to single-use plastics whenever possible.

Be mindful at sea: If boating or jet skiing, keep an eye out for turtles and reduce speed near reefs.

Choose reef-safe sunscreen: Many conventional sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are harmful to coral reefs and marine life, including sea turtles. When we swim, these chemicals wash off into the ocean and accumulate in delicate ecosystems. Opting for mineral-based sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide without nano-particles) helps protect your skin while keeping Samui’s waters and reefs healthier for the creatures that call them home.

Get involved locally: Visit or donate to organizations like the Ban Tai Blue Crab Bank. Even sharing their work online helps spread awareness.

Educate yourself and others: The more we know about our oceans, the more we can protect them.

A Closing Reflection

The discovery of the turtle on Ban Tai Beach was a sad one, but it also carried a powerful message. Nature speaks to us in moments like this, reminding us that while beauty surrounds us here in Koh Samui, it is also fragile.

We can’t undo this turtle’s fate. But by supporting conservation, making mindful choices, and caring for the seas that sustain us, we can help ensure that future generations will have the chance to see these gentle giants gliding through Samui’s turquoise waters.

Every action counts, no matter how small. And together, they add up to something extraordinary.

If you’d like to learn more about the groups working hard to protect Koh Samui’s marine life, or if you’d like to support their efforts, consider visiting the Ban Tai Blue Crab Bank or following the Coastal Conservation Group. Even the smallest contribution makes a difference.