Crime Crackdown on Illegal Wildlife Trade with Border Action Plan

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has unveiled a robust new plan aimed at eradicating illegal wildlife hunting and trafficking along the country’s borders by 2028.

 

Speaking on 12 July, Mr. Attapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the DNP, announced the collaborative effort between the department and key enforcement partners under the Thailand Wildlife Enforcement Network (Thailand-WEN). The initiative aligns with data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which estimates Thailand loses approximately USD 91–114 million (THB 3 –3.7 billion) annually due to wildlife and forest crimes. These crimes, officials say, pose serious threats to biodiversity, national security and the country’s international reputation.

 

To counter this, the DNP established the Wildlife Crime Intelligence Center (WCC) in 2023 as a centralised body to coordinate wildlife crime intelligence, enforcement, and international cooperation. The WCC has become a key mechanism for advancing enforcement strategies under international treaties such as CITES.

 

In partnership with Thailand-WEN and related agencies, the DNP has now drafted the Action Plan Against Wildlife Hunting and Trafficking Along Border Areas. The plan provides a strategic framework for agencies to:

 

• Prevent wildlife poaching and trafficking,

• Enhance intelligence and investigative capabilities,

• Strengthen cooperation at the local, national, and international levels.

 

The action plan aims to “completely suppress illegal wildlife and plant trafficking through a strong national enforcement network.”

 

Though still awaiting Cabinet approval, elements of the plan are already in motion. Joint enforcement operations have led to several high-profile arrests, including:

 

• The capture of a Vietnamese logging network operating in Phu Khieo and Huai Kha Khaeng wildlife sanctuaries.

 

• The dismantling of a transnational macaque trafficking ring with Cambodian financiers.

 

• The interception of smuggled lemurs and thousands of star tortoises from Madagascar.

 

• The arrest of six Indian nationals at Suvarnabhumi Airport for attempting to smuggle 87 animals, including red pandas.

 

• The disruption of rosewood and precious timber trafficking networks allegedly backed by Chinese investors.

 

According to Mr. Attapol, the plan not only strengthens domestic enforcement but positions Thailand as a regional leader in the sustainable fight against wildlife crime.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-07-13