Gorilla Smuggling Plot Destined for Thailand Discovered at Istanbul Airport

[webfact]

FILE photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

In an unexpected turn of events, a Nakhon Pathom-based company in Thailand has come under investigation after a thwarted attempt to smuggle a baby gorilla was uncovered at Istanbul Airport. The young primate, destined for Bangkok, was intercepted by Turkish customs during a routine check, leading to an international probe that has stirred up significant concern.

 

The capture of the gorilla occurred during a stopover from Nigeria en route to Thailand via Turkey. Customs officers, conducting a risk analysis at Istanbul's busy airport on 22nd December, discovered the animal crammed in a wooden crate amidst a shipment purportedly containing 50 rabbits.

 

The absence of proper CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) documentation further piqued their suspicions.

 

Following this discovery, Thai authorities swiftly obtained a warrant to search TK Farm International Trading in Nakhon Pathom. The company, owned by Siriwat Suphakitkasem, is registered as an animal importer and breeder, with a known presence in Bangkok's bustling Chatuchak Market.

 

The firm's owner, Mr Siriwat, claimed to have been contacted by David, an African national, requesting assistance to import the rabbits.

For a fee of approximately 150,000 Thai Baht, Mr Siriwat’s company managed the customs and related paperwork. He asserted ignorance of the gorilla’s presence, insisting that he believed the shipment only contained the rabbits, which were duly processed.

 

The present situation has raised suspicions about potential collusion involving airport staff in both Thailand and Nigeria, speculating that TK Farm may merely be a pawn in a larger wildlife trafficking network. The investigation is widening, as authorities seek to authenticate the legal status of other animals at TK Farm and unravel any deeper illicit connections.

 

Gorillas, listed in Appendix I by CITES, are strictly prohibited for import into Thailand. Currently, only one gorilla, named Bua Noi, resides in the country. Imported prior to the enforcement of CITES regulations in 1992, Bua Noi has lived in captivity at a department store zoo in Bangkok for decades, amidst ongoing campaigns from animal rights advocates demanding her release.

 

As Turkish veterinarians continue to care for the rescued gorilla, the complexities of this international smuggling attempt underscore the persistent threats faced by endangered species and amplify calls for stringent enforcement against wildlife trafficking. The unfolding investigation promises to shed light on what appears to be a well-organised, yet unlawful trade targeting one of nature’s most vulnerable inhabitants, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-12-26

 

 

[bkk6060]

25 minutes ago, webfact said:

The present situation has raised suspicions about potential collusion involving airport staff in both Thailand and Nigeria, speculating that TK Farm may merely be a pawn in a larger wildlife trafficking networ

Yah think?  This is one of the most disgusting examples of corruption and collusion I can think of.

Terrible.

[hotchilli]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

For a fee of approximately 150,000 Thai Baht, Mr Siriwat’s company managed the customs and related paperwork. He asserted ignorance of the gorilla’s presence, insisting that he believed the shipment only contained the rabbits, which were duly processed.

150,000 baht to process 50 rabbits.... who's he trying to kid.

[jcmj]

If Thailand was so concerned about wildlife care they would check Chatuchak market, all wildlife importers and release the poor ape stuck in the mall. Lucky Turkey inspectors found it because it probably would have made it through the Thai customs. 
There’s definitely something going on here.  Would someone charge or pay 150,000 to transport and facilitate documentation for rabbits. 

[PETERTHEEATER]

The situation will change when Mighty Joe Young comes along to pick up his baby.😋