Thai and US authorities seized more than 100 trafficked animals, a lot of them snakes, from a pickup truck in Cha-am district of Phetchaburi on Wednesday night, 6 May. Officials said the animals were being transported from southern Thailand for delivery to customers as part of an alleged wildlife trafficking operation.
Get today's headlines by email 
The vehicle was stopped at a highway police checkpoint on the Bangkok-bound section of Phetkasem Highway after authorities received a tip-off about a large shipment of wild animals. According to Nithas Nounsong, director of the Protected Areas Regional Office 3, officers discovered endangered species packed inside boxes and cages in the rear of the pickup.
The seized animals included 13 salmon-crested cockatoos, eight cuscuses, six tree kangaroos, 13 spiky anteaters, one water monitor lizard and about 100 snakes of several species. Authorities said the animals are protected under wildlife laws and were being transported illegally.
The driver, identified only as Sa-ngob, told officials he had been hired by wildlife traffickers in southern Thailand to deliver the animals. His home is in Langu district in Satun province.
Mr Nithas said authorities were withholding details about the pickup and delivery points because investigators are expanding the operation to identify and arrest additional suspects linked to the trafficking network. The investigation is being conducted jointly by Thai police, wildlife officials and officers from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Sa-ngob was charged at Cha-am police station with possessing protected animals without authorisation. If convicted, the offence carries a penalty of up to one year in prison and/or a fine of up to 100,000 baht.
The case highlights ongoing concerns over Thailand’s role in regional wildlife trafficking routes, particularly involving rare and endangered species transported across the country for illegal trade. Authorities have recently intensified enforcement efforts against smuggling operations involving both wildlife and other forms of organised crime.
The Bangkokpost reported that investigators are expected to continue tracing the source of the animals and identifying the intended buyers. Officials have not yet disclosed where the animals will be relocated or whether further arrests are imminent.
Related stories
Indian-woman-arrested-for-wildlife-smuggling-at-Suvarnabhumi
Indian-man-caught-smuggling-wildlife-at-Suvarnabhumi-airport
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 8 May 2026