Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Thai Customs officials have seized a shipment containing 402 shark fins with an estimated value of over 2 million baht. The contraband, smuggled into the country from Trinidad and Tobago and falsely declared as “dry fish”, was intercepted at Suvarnabhumi Airport’s bonded warehouse on May 1st.

 

Mr. Phanthong Loykulnanta, Tax and Revenue Development Adviser and spokesperson for the Customs Department, confirmed that the operation was a joint effort involving the Department of Fisheries, the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division (NRECD), and Thai Airways. It followed intelligence received from China’s Anti-Smuggling Bureau (ASB), under the General Administration of China Customs, warning that a suspicious consignment possibly in breach of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) was en route to Thailand.

 

The shipment originated in Trinidad and Tobago and transited through China before arriving in Thailand. Upon inspection, officials discovered 402 shark fins weighing approximately 102 kilograms, including packaging. The importation of such items is strictly regulated due to conservation concerns and public health laws.

 

According to Thai Customs, the importer violated multiple laws, including:

 

• The Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act (B.E. 2562), for importing protected wildlife parts without permission.

 

• The Animal Epidemics Act (B.E. 2558), for importing animal remains without authorisation.

 

• The Fisheries Royal Ordinance (B.E. 2558), for lacking necessary certification for aquatic animal products.

 

• The Customs Act (B.E. 2560), for importing restricted goods without a permit.

 

The seized shark fins have been taken as evidence under Sections 166 and 167 of the Customs Act. The case has been handed over to investigators at Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station for legal proceedings.

 

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to combating illegal wildlife trade and protecting endangered marine species.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-04.

 

 

 

‘Finning’ a disgusting practise

12 minutes ago, JoePai said:

‘Finning’ a disgusting practise

Toss finners to the sharks. 

 

I dont eat sharks, in exchange, they dont eat me.