Two Arrested for Possession of Protected Wildlife Remains in Sa Kaeo

Picture courtesy of NRECD.

Authorities in Sa Kaeo have arrested two individuals and seized the remains of protected wildlife, including Asiatic black bear parts, in the border area. The operation was carried out by the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division (NRECD) in collaboration with Border Patrol Police and forestry officials.

The arrests took place on March 7 at approximately 11:30 near a checkpoint between markers 14 and 15, just 20 metres from Sri Phen Road in Ban Khlong Phaeng, Thap Sadet Subdistrict, Ta Phraya District. The operation followed a tip-off about illegal possession of wildlife remains.

The suspects were identified as Chaiyan Inprasong, 62, and Surasak Yimklim, 36, both residents of Thap Sadet. They were found in possession of:

• Six kilograms of Asiatic black bear parts, including two front paws and two hind paws.

• A full Sunda pangolin, weighing nine kilograms.

Both individuals were charged with illegal possession and trade of wildlife under Thai conservation laws.

Authorities confirmed that the suspects confessed during questioning. They were subsequently taken into custody and handed over to investigators at Tap Thai Police Station in Ta Phraya District for legal proceedings.

The confiscated wildlife remains have been documented and placed under the care of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), Region 1 (Prachin Buri), for safekeeping in accordance with regulations.

Illegal wildlife trade remains a serious issue in Thailand, with authorities continuing to crack down on those involved in the trafficking and possession of endangered species.

-- 2025-03-09