Suspected Cross-Border Livestock Smugglers Abandon 45 Buffaloes Near Thai-Lao Border

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from Border Patrol.

 

Three unidentified men suspected of involvement in cross-border livestock smuggling abandoned 45 buffaloes and fled across the Hueang River into Laos after being confronted by Thai authorities in Loei Province on December 19.

 

Colonel Korn Chaisaue, Commander of Border Patrol Police Unit 24, and Captain Sumeth Polyeam, Commander of Company 246 in Chiang Khan, coordinated with local security agencies and customs officials to intercept a suspected animal smuggling operation near Ban Najan, Pak Tom Subdistrict, Chiang Khan District. Acting on intelligence reports, a surveillance team was deployed along the Hueang River, which separates Thailand and Laos.

 

At approximately 04:30 authorities observed a six-wheeled white truck unloading buffaloes into an enclosure within a tamarind orchard near the river. The truck departed shortly after the animals were unloaded.

 

By 06:20 three men, shirtless and of unknown nationality, emerged from the riverbank and began herding the buffaloes toward the river. As authorities moved to intervene, identifying themselves as police, the men panicked, abandoned the buffaloes, and swam across the river to Laos under cover of heavy morning fog.

 

Authorities recovered 45 buffaloes from the enclosure and riverbank, comprising 13 males and 32 females. Local residents were questioned, but no one claimed ownership of the animals. The buffaloes were seized as evidence, and further investigations are underway to determine the origins of the livestock and identify those responsible for the smuggling operation.

 

The incident highlights ongoing issues of cross-border smuggling along the Thai-Lao border. Authorities are intensifying efforts to monitor illegal activities and prevent similar cases in the future.

 

For now, the buffaloes remain under the custody of law enforcement as the investigation continues.

 

-- 2024-12-20

 

[JoePai]

For now, the buffaloes remain under the custody of law enforcement as the investigation continues

 

Keept in the Nick's car park ?