Red panda found in luggage at Bangkok airport

Six Indian nationals have been arrested at Bangkok's international airport for attempting to smuggle a red panda and dozens of other animals out of the country, Thai custom officials say.

Snakes, parrots and monitor lizards were among 87 animals seized at Suvarnabhumi Airport, officials said.

They were allegedly discovered in the suspects' checked luggage as they tried to fly to Mumbai.

The suspects face a maximum of 10 years behind bars.

The Thai customs department released photos showing the red panda - an endangered species - inside a basket, and a parrot shut in a plastic container. Snakes were coiled together in cloth bags.

Thailand is a major transit hub for wildlife smugglers. The animals are usually sold in China and Vietnam, but India has become a growing market.