Politics Thailand to Repatriate Four Orangutans to Indonesia by End of 2025

[Georgealbert]

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Thailand is preparing to repatriate four illegally trafficked orangutans to Indonesia by the end of the year, as part of an intensified campaign to combat transnational wildlife crime and mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

 

Mr Sadudee Phanpakdee, Director of the CITES Wildlife and Flora Protection Division under The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, confirmed the development following the Second Thailand–Indonesia Security Dialogue held on 17 July.

 

The Thai delegation, led by National Security Council Secretary-General Chatchai Bangchuad, met with their Indonesian counterparts headed by Lt Gen Mohammad Hasan from Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs.

 

During the dialogue, Mr Sadudee addressed the issue of cross-border wildlife crime, proposing two main strategies to enhance cooperation: (1) closer exchange of intelligence and communication between relevant agencies and (2) a stronger commitment to returning confiscated wildlife to their natural habitats, even when the species are not listed under CITES, in pursuit of sustainable conservation.

 

The orangutans in question were seized in separate law enforcement operations earlier this year. Three were intercepted in Chumphon Province on 21 January, while two more were rescued in Bangkok during a sting operation at a PTT petrol station in the Kaset–Nawamin area on 14 May, led by Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division. Sadly, one of the five animals died.

 

The four surviving orangutans, classified under CITES as protected wildlife, are now being prepared for repatriation to Indonesia, expected to take place before the end of 2025.

 

“This act of returning the orangutans is not only a matter of legal compliance but also a symbol of friendship and goodwill between Thailand and Indonesia, especially as we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties,” Mr Sadudee stated.

 

Beyond wildlife trafficking, the bilateral meeting also addressed broader regional and national security issues. Discussions included terrorism and extremism, cyber security, maritime security and broader transnational crime. Both sides expressed a strong commitment to strategic cooperation in tackling these shared challenges.

 

Officials from both countries hope the agreements and momentum generated by the dialogue will lead to concrete actions and a new phase of joint operations to dismantle international wildlife trafficking networks.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from khaosod 2025-07-20