Icelandic Man Detained After Trying to Sneak Puffin Through Customs in Duty-Free Bag
By TRENT MACGUFFIN, EDITORIAL INTERN
BANGKOK, THAILAND — A 42-year-old Icelandic national was detained at Bangkok’s main international airport Tuesday after customs officers discovered a live puffin stuffed inside a duty-free liquor bag.
Authorities said the man, identified as Björn Jónsson, arrived on a connecting flight from Reykjavík via Helsinki, and attempted to exit through the “nothing to declare” lane while carrying what appeared to be a standard-issue blue shopping bag marked “Finlandia Vodka.”
“When we opened the bag, it blinked,” said Customs Officer Sirichai K., who spotted movement on the x-ray machine. “We thought it was a stuffed toy. Then it made a honking sound.”
The puffin, described as “visibly annoyed,” was handed over to wildlife officials.
Jónsson allegedly told officers he “just wanted it to see a beach” and thought Thailand would be “a nice change of pace” for the Arctic seabird.
“It was cold in Iceland,” Jónsson said during questioning. “I thought maybe he needed some sun. And snacks.”
Wildlife officials say puffins are not on Thailand’s approved species import list and transporting live animals without proper documentation is a serious offense.
“He seemed genuinely surprised this was illegal,” said one official. “He also asked if puffins can eat mango sticky rice.”
Jónsson has been released on bail but is required to report to immigration weekly. The puffin, now dubbed Mr. Hjalti, is being held at a rescue center pending repatriation.
Authorities reminded travelers that live animals — especially seabirds native to the North Atlantic — are not permitted in hand luggage, regardless of bag branding.