Authorities have seized smuggled rhino horn at Suvarnabhumi Airport, with officials praising the operation and ordering an expanded investigation into an international wildlife trafficking network. The contraband, concealed using a new disguise method, was intercepted by a joint task force operating at the airport. The case highlights ongoing efforts to curb illegal wildlife trade entering the country.
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On 5 April 2026, Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, confirmed that officers from the C.I.Q. task force at Suvarnabhumi Airport had successfully intercepted a transnational rhino horn smuggling attempt. The operation followed directives from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin, who has emphasised stricter enforcement against illegal wildlife imports.
Officials discovered five pieces of rhino horn with a total packaged weight of 12.77 kilogrammes. The items had been wrapped in tree bark and coated with a resin-like material to evade detection, then concealed inside two hard-shell suitcases. Suspicion arose after X-ray scans revealed unusually dense objects in the luggage at the customs exit point.
A detailed search uncovered the smuggled items along with two mobile phones, which were seized as evidence after the suspect consented to their confiscation. Authorities have charged the individual under multiple laws, including the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act 2019, the Customs Act 2017 and the Animal Epidemics Act 2015, for illegal importation of controlled animal remains and failure to comply with customs procedures.
Suchart Chomklin has expressed appreciation to the officers involved for identifying a new concealment technique and successfully intercepting the shipment. He has instructed the department to expand the investigation and coordinate with both origin and destination countries to trace the trafficking route and dismantle the wider criminal network.
Khaosod reported that the seized rhino horn has been sent for detailed species verification, with results to be used in building the legal case and supporting further investigative work. The suspect, who was not named by authorities, has been handed over to investigators at Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station for legal proceedings under all three applicable laws.
Pictures courtesy of Khaosod
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 6 Apr 2026