Crime Over 20 Baby Macaques Found Stuffed in Bags & Abandoned in Ratchaburi Forest

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded

 

Wildlife officials have uncovered a disturbing case of suspected illegal animal trafficking after more than 20 baby macaques were found stuffed in mesh bags and left in a forest in Ratchaburi province.

 

Mr Sirikun Sangtaku, head of the Khao Prathap Chang Wildlife Sanctuary in Chom Bueng district, was alerted by local leaders in Hin Kong subdistrict after a shocking discovery in a remote forest area of Moo 1 village. Authorities trekked approximately 200 metres into the dense jungle, where they found several blue mesh bags tied to trees. Each bag contained one or more infant macaques, with a total of 25 baby monkeyscounted, crying and writhing in distress.

 

Many of the bags were sealed with cable ties, some of which had been cut or were lying unused on the ground nearby. Inside the bags were small amounts of food, such as jicama and various fruits, indicating that the animals were being kept alive for future transport.

 

The grim discovery was made by local resident Mr Phrae Kamkoet, who had ventured into the forest to forage for mushrooms. “I heard what sounded like a child crying,” he said. “When I followed the noise, I found all these monkeys in bags. It was shocking. I immediately reported it to the village leaders.”

 

Authorities believe the macaques were temporarily stashed at this location as part of an illegal wildlife trade operation, possibly awaiting transportation to buyers. According to Mr Sirikun, the value of each baby macaque on the black market ranges from 1,500 to 2,500, typically sold to individuals who consume exotic animals, despite the species being legally protected.

 

“This was likely a holding point,” Mr Sirikun said. “If the news hadn’t spread so quickly, we may have been able to ambush and arrest those involved in the trafficking. Unfortunately, now the suspects will be more cautious.”

 

While officials were rescuing the animals, they encountered two men riding motorcycles suspiciously near the site. When questioned, the men claimed they were hunting for wasp nests to sell and were released after no evidence linked them to the macaques.

 

A survey of the area revealed signs of recent clearing and over 100 discarded cable ties, further suggesting the forest clearing was being used by a wildlife trafficking ring to hold captured animals before transport.

 

The baby macaques have since been relocated to the Khao Prathap Chang Wildlife Sanctuary for care and rehabilitation. Wildlife officials have vowed to intensify patrols and monitor the area in hopes of identifying and apprehending those responsible for the cruel and illegal trade.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-06-02.