Picture courtesy of Siam Rath

 

Thai Customs officials have made a significant arrest, seizing rhino horns valued at approximately 6.9 million Baht (around £153,000). This dramatic bust involved a Vietnamese passenger caught at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. The arrest follows heightened efforts to prevent wildlife trafficking under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

 

The male passenger, travelling from Luanda, Angola, had planned transit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, before arriving in Bangkok. His final destination was Vientiane, Laos. Authorities identified him as a high-risk individual based on detailed passenger data analysis—leading to his luggage search. Officials uncovered 5 pieces of rhino horn weighing a total of 6.86 kilograms.

 

The seizure took place around 7:45 p.m. on 6th September 2568, with Customs collaborating closely with other involved agencies. This operation forms part of a broader strategy ordered by Customs Chief Teerachai Atthanavanich to intensify the clampdown on illicit wildlife and plant trade. The policies aim to protect Thailand's, and indeed the world’s, endangered species.

 

The horns’ value underscores the ongoing demand driving poaching and smuggling, despite stringent laws. The findings qualify as serious offences under the Thai Customs Act 2017 and the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act 2019, among others. These laws aim to combat the spread of diseases associated with wildlife trafficking as well, reported Siam Rath.

 

Panthong Loikuln, Customs spokesperson and advisor on tax development, reiterated the department’s commitment to collaborating with international and local agencies. They are determined to enhance data sharing and risk analysis to improve detection and prevention of these crimes. The ongoing efforts are part of a global initiative to secure ecological and societal stability by curbing illegal trade activities.

 

The case exemplifies the complexities of international wildlife smuggling networks and points out the importance of cooperation across borders. Each successful interception prevents the illegal sale and sends a strong message to traffickers that these heinous activities will not go unchecked.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Siam Rath 2025-09-08

 

 

His boner after testing the rhino horns made the customs officers suspicious.