The turtle was discovered by lifeguards at about midday while conducting their regular patrols along the beach, explained the Patong Surf Life Saving service (PSLS).
The turtle weighted an estimated 30kg, but were unable to estimate the turtle’s age, Patong Lifeguard Deputy Chief Samart Rattanamat told The Phuket News.
“It was still alive, but it did not have its front right flipper, which had become a healed wound,” he said.
“There were no other wounds on its body, but there was a lot of seaweed on its shell,” Me Samart added.
“From its size and shell, it is very old. It looked tired and not strong, so it was most likely pushed ashore by the strong waves,” he added.
“We did not find any fishing net tangled around the turtle,” Mr Samart noted.
“We called the Phuket Marine Biological Center to come and take it for further treatment,” he said.