Pictures courtesy of Matichon

 

Authorities arrested two men attempting to smuggle 81 crab-eating macaques across the border in Sa Kaeo province on 15 November 2025. The suspects, identified as Mr Suwat and Mr Suebpong, were caught after a high-speed pursuit and attempts to flee into nearby forest and water areas.

 

The arrest occurred when officers from the Burapha Task Force, including the Aranyaprathet Special Task Unit and the 1204 Ranger Company, spotted a suspicious Toyota Revo pickup truck near sugarcane fields in Ban Non Phatthana, Phan Suek subdistrict, Aranyaprathet district. The men were seen loading blue mesh bags containing the monkeys onto the vehicle before attempting to escape.

 

Authorities intercepted the vehicle near Ban Khao Noi, Khlong Nam Sai subdistrict. The suspects abandoned the truck and ran into the forest before jumping into a pond, where they were eventually apprehended. Examination of the pickup revealed 81 macaques, including 30 males and 51 females, along with some methamphetamine and an iPhone 12 left in the cab.

 

Officials indicated the monkeys were intended for illegal export out of Thailand. The two men were handed over to Khlong Nam Sai Police Station for further investigation, while the animals were transferred to the Aranyaprathet animal checkpoint. Authorities plan to investigate the broader cross-border wildlife trafficking network linked to this case.

 

Wildlife experts have warned that the illegal wildlife trade poses risks to both conservation and public health. Authorities stressed the need for continued vigilance along the border and stricter enforcement to prevent similar smuggling attempts in the future.

 

Investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals or groups involved in the operation, reported Matichon. The case may also lead to additional arrests and stricter monitoring of border routes used for wildlife trafficking. Officials have urged the public to report any suspicious activities involving wildlife.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Two men were arrested in Sa Kaeo for smuggling 81 crab-eating macaques.

• Authorities recovered drugs and an iPhone from the vehicle alongside the animals.

• Investigations continue to track the wider cross-border trafficking network.

 

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Matichon 2025-11-16

 

 

 

 

 

In the trade that's called "monkey business"    😎

On 11/16/2025 at 8:26 AM, JoePai said:

In the trade that's called "monkey business"    😎

 

Disgusting take the two Thai men and bag them the same way.

29 minutes ago, brian69 said:

Disgusting take the two Thai men and bag them the same way.

I’ll help tie the strings around the bags. 

These animal smugglers are disgusting creatures.....

On 11/16/2025 at 5:26 AM, Georgealbert said:

Two men were arrested in Sa Kaeo for smuggling 81 crab-eating macaques.

 

Heading for the lucrative bush meat markets? 

 

Reference Wikipedia:-

 

Bushmeat is meat from wildlife hunted for human consumption, specifically in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. Bushmeat is commonly harvested through unregulated or subsistence hunting practices. Bushmeat often consists of local small mammals in an area, such as primates, bats, and rodents, but can also refer to small birds and reptiles.

No mention of whether they were alive or dead!!!! Poor things. Disgusting business. Cruelty abounds.

Anyone know?