Border patrol troops in Sa Kaeo province discovered 51 crab-eating macaques tightly bound inside mesh bags abandoned in a sugarcane field near the Thai–Cambodian border, in a case suspected to be linked to illegal wildlife smuggling.
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The animals were found at around 07:00 on 13 March 2026 by officers from Border Patrol Company 1204 during a patrol operation ordered by the Burapha Task Force through the Aranyaprathet Special Unit. The patrol was part of routine efforts to prevent illegal activities along the border in the area near Nong Prue Village checkpoint, Moo 7, Phan Suek Subdistrict, Aranyaprathet District.
The discovery was made in sugarcane fields located about 300 metres from the Thai–Cambodian border. Officers spotted several blue mesh bags placed along a natural passage through the fields and considered them suspicious.
A closer inspection revealed dozens of crab-eating macaques tied together inside the bags. Authorities counted a total of 51 animals, including 32 males and 19 females.
Officials searched the surrounding area but found no suspects or individuals claiming ownership of the animals. Authorities believe the macaques were temporarily left at the location by illegal wildlife traffickers preparing to move them across the border using natural routes.
After the discovery, border patrol officers rescued the macaques and transported them to Border Patrol Company 1204 for temporary care. Officials then coordinated with relevant agencies to examine the animals and assess their condition.
Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath
Authorities involved in the inspection included officials from the Office of Conservation Area Administration 1 in Prachinburi, the Ang Rattanakosin Forest and Wildlife Protection Unit, and the Aranyaprathet Wildlife Checkpoint. The agencies jointly carried out examinations and began procedures under Thailand’s wildlife protection laws.
Following the inspection, the border patrol handed all 51 macaques to the Office of Conservation Area Administration 1 (Prachinburi). The animals will receive care and rehabilitation while officials proceed with legal procedures relating to protected wildlife.
Authorities believe the case may be connected to a transnational illegal wildlife trafficking network that uses border areas and natural crossings to smuggle animals out of Thailand. Such trafficking routes have been a continuing concern for security and conservation agencies operating along the Thai–Cambodian border.
The Burapha Task Force and other security agencies said they will continue to intensify patrols and inspections in the region. Officials aim to prevent wildlife trafficking and other illegal activities along border areas.
ThaiRath reported that further investigations are expected as authorities attempt to identify the group responsible for abandoning the animals and to determine the intended destination for the macaques.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thairath 14 Mar 2026