Thai wildlife officials rescued 366 wild and exotic animals abandoned beside a sugarcane plantation in Khlong Hat district, Sa Kaeo province, many suffering severe dehydration and starvation.
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The operation took place on 10 March after a tip-off from a concerned citizen who reported suspicious objects concealed under black mesh near a sugarcane field east of Ban Khlong Phai village, Moo 3, Sai Thong subdistrict. Officers from the Wildlife Conservation Division under the Protected Areas Regional Office 1 (Prachin Buri), led by director Somruek Supamittrakritsana, joined forces with police from Khlong Hat Police Station to investigate.
Officials discovered large numbers of animals tightly packed into cardboard boxes and plastic baskets. The haul included two sloths, 172 snakes, 58 Japanese turtles, three of which were found dead, 16 tortoises, 47 lizards, 25 geckos and 46 softshell turtles.
All animals were reported to be in a poor condition after being deprived of water and food for an extended period. Wildlife veterinarians at the scene provided emergency treatment and hydration to animals in critical condition before arranging their relocation.
Yotsawat Thiansawat, director of Protected Areas Regional Office 1 (Prachin Buri), confirmed the rescue and described it as one of the largest suspected wildlife trafficking incidents in the border area. Authorities believe the animals were abandoned by traffickers unable to move them due to heightened border security measures.
Following the report, Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment ordered urgent action to prioritise the survival of the animals. The minister also instructed the Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to coordinate with Natural Resources and Environmental Crime police to investigate the trafficking network behind the operation.
Pictures courtesy of Komchadluek
Veterinarian Dr Suphalak Prachan and a veterinary team from the Aranyaprathet Wildlife Checkpoint provided initial care at the site before transferring the animals. All seized animals were later transported to the Bang Phra Waterbird Breeding Station in Chon Buri province for rehabilitation and recovery in accordance with department regulations.
Officials suspect the traffickers abandoned the animals because stricter surveillance along the Thai border has made smuggling operations more difficult. The increased enforcement is part of government policy aimed at cracking down on wildlife trafficking networks operating across borders.
Komchadluek reported that authorities said investigations are continuing to identify and arrest those responsible for the illegal transport and abandonment of the animals. Enforcement agencies have pledged to maintain proactive operations to dismantle wildlife trafficking networks in the region.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Komchadluek 12 Mar 2026