The fight against wildlife trafficking in Thailand, a trade valued at approximately US$20 billion, is in full swing.

 

Police Colonel Wanpichit Wattanasakmonta, an officer dedicated to the wildlife trafficking cause, stresses the importance of not only preserving wildlife but also protecting the environment and natural resources for a sustainable world. Thailand, a country that houses 10% of the world’s animal species, is a prominent hub for this unlawful trade.

 

The past saw Thailand peppered with farms rearing tigers, bears, and crocodiles, with shop windows flaunting tiger and leopard skins. Global species were openly sold in the famous Chatuchak market. However, the situation has witnessed a considerable change.

In 2019, a new Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act came into effect, safeguarding non-native species and increasing the imprisonment period for traffickers up to two decades. Noteworthy legal actions include the conviction of Vietnamese trafficker kingpin, Boonchai Bach, who received a five-year prison sentence from the Supreme Court in 2022.

 

by Mitch Connor 

Picture of animal parts courtsey of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-17

 

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7 minutes ago, webfact said:

Thailand, a country that houses 10% of the world’s animal species

Really?

Not so long ago, the then Prime Minister suggested having 'exotic animals' on the menu at Chiang Mai night safari.

 

And yes, I am not joking. 

 

The idea was to import 'big game' animals from Kenya and serve them to customers.

 

Only in Thailand.