Authorities Dismantle Wildlife Trafficking Network, Seize 100kg of Rare Animal Carcasses

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

Authorities have raided an illegal wildlife trafficking operation along the northern border, seizing more than 100 kilograms of rare and protected animal carcasses and arresting two Laotian nationals.

The crackdown, led by Mr. Chaichan Sriyong, Director of the Office for Prevention and Suppression Region 3 under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), was conducted in cooperation with multiple agencies. These included officers from the Chiang Khong Wildlife Checkpoint, regional wildlife patrol units, livestock quarantine officials from Chiang Rai, and the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NED).

The operation took place at Jam Pong temporary border crossing in Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai Province, near the Laos border, a known hotspot for cross-border smuggling.

Upon inspection, authorities uncovered a disturbing cache of wildlife carcasses destined for illegal sale. The confiscated items included:

• 2 large porcupines

• 1 lizard or water monitor carcass (1 kg)

• 1 binturong (bearcat) carcass (9 kg)

• 5 additional porcupine carcasses (23 kg)

• 22 pieces of muntjac (barking deer) meat (68 kg)

The total weight of the seized carcasses amounted to 101 kilograms.

A Laotian man and woman were taken into custody at the scene. Authorities are now conducting a deeper investigation into the transnational wildlife trafficking network suspected of operating in the region.

The seized animal remains have been handed over to Wiang Kaen Police Station for legal proceedings. Coordination is underway with the Chiang Rai Animal Quarantine Office under the Department of Livestock Development to ensure the carcasses are safely incinerated in accordance with legal protocols.

This raid aligns with the policy direction of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, who has emphasised the importance of cracking down on illegal wildlife trade. Authorities are increasing patrols and enhancing cooperation between agencies, particularly along border zones and natural smuggling routes.

Thailand remains a critical transit and source point for the global illegal wildlife trade. The government’s renewed vigilance reflects both growing environmental concerns and obligations under international conservation agreements.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-26