Police Arrest Wildlife Traders Selling Spectacled Langur in Bangkok

Police have arrested two suspects accused of illegally trading a protected spectacled langur for 90,000 baht in a sting operation in Bangkok. Officers from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NED) detained a 36-year-old man, Jiratip (surname withheld), and a 31-year-old woman, Nannaphat, in a car park at Kanlapaphruek Market in Bang Khae district on 2 April 2026. The animal was found inside a yellow basket, in a Toyota Fortuner registered in Bangkok.

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The arrests followed intelligence that a protected wildlife species was being offered for sale at a high price. Officers arranged an undercover purchase, transferring a 10,000 baht deposit before setting a meeting point for delivery at the car park. When the suspects arrived and handed over the langur, officers identified themselves and made the arrests, seizing all items as evidence.

During questioning, both suspects confessed to the charges of possessing and trading a protected wild animal without permission. Jiratip told investigators he had purchased the spectacled langur from a neighbouring country and had no documentation to prove its origin or legality. Authorities confirmed the species is protected under Thai law, making its trade and possession illegal without proper permits.

Following the arrests, officers expanded the investigation by searching the suspects’ residence in Samut Songkhram province for additional evidence. The operation was conducted under the direction of Pol Maj Gen Anek Taosuphap, commander of the division, with support from senior officers including Pol Col Aphisan Chaiyarat and Pol Lt Col Pathompong Thongjamroon.

The seized langur has been handed over to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation for care. Authorities are continuing to investigate possible links to a wider wildlife trafficking network, particularly involving cross-border smuggling.

Thaitabloid reported that the suspects have been transferred to investigators at the division for legal proceedings. Officials said further action will be taken in accordance with wildlife protection laws, while efforts to trace the source of the animal and any accomplices remain ongoing.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 4 Apr 2026