In the coastal town of Sriracha, Thailand, a green sea turtle named Omsin — meaning “Piggy Bank” in Thai — became the center of a stunning rescue. For years, tourists tossed coins into her pond, believing it brought good luck. But what began as a harmless tradition turned tragic when Omsin began swallowing the coins, mistaking them for food.
Over time, she ingested more than 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of metal, nearly one-tenth of her body weight. The mass made swimming painful and eventually left her unable to dive or eat. Rescuers brought her to Chulalongkorn University, where a veterinary team led by Dr. Nantarika Chansue performed a seven-hour surgery to remove hundreds of corroded coins from her stomach.
The procedure saved Omsin’s life — but also served as a stark warning. Coins in water can poison or kill wildlife. “People thought they were making merit,” Dr. Chansue said, “but what they did was cause harm.
Omsin’s recovery sparked nationwide reflection. Her story, both tragic and hopeful, reminds us that true good fortune doesn’t come from tossing coins, but from protecting the lives we share the planet with.
