Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation will return four baby orangutans to Indonesia on 23 December 2025, following detailed health checks by Thai and Indonesian veterinarians. The transfer marks a significant step in cross-border wildlife protection under international conservation rules and aims to ensure the animals’ welfare during transport.

 

The four orangutans, identified as Jay and Rai Khing, both males, and Nune and Bow, both females, have been under Thai care at Wildlife Rescue Centre No. 3 (Prapat Chang) in Ratchaburi. Preparations are focused on minimising stress, with veterinarians from Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry closely involved in final assessments.

 

The first case stems from several wildlife trafficking incidents earlier in 2025. On 21 January 2025, three baby orangutans and other wildlife were illegally smuggled from Indonesia into Thailand and temporarily housed in Chumphon province. A separate case occurred on 14 May 2025, when two baby orangutans were seized during a controlled purchase operation in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok. One of those animals later died, leaving four surviving orangutans now approved for repatriation.

 

According to Mr Sadudee Phanphakdee, Director of the Wildlife and Plant Protection Division under CITES at the Department of National Parks, the Indonesian delegation was led by Mr Fuad Adriansyah, Deputy Ambassador of Indonesia to Thailand. The visit was intended to observe and finalise procedures before the animals’ return to their country of origin.

 

Veterinarians recommended transporting the orangutans in three cages to reduce stress. The two males will be housed separately, while the two females, still very young and easily distressed, will share one cage during the journey. The transfer process begins on 22 December 2025 at 4.00 pm, when the orangutans will be placed into transport cages to familiarise them with the environment. At 4.00 am on 23 December 2025, they will be moved to Suvarnabhumi Airport for departure.

 

The animals will fly on Garuda Indonesia flight GA867 from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. Thai and Indonesian authorities will jointly oversee the journey to ensure compliance with international welfare standards. Khaosod reported that orangutans are listed under Appendix I of the CITES convention, which strictly prohibits international trade. Between 2016 and 2025,

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Four baby orangutans will be repatriated from Thailand to Indonesia on 23 December 2025 under CITES rules.

• Thai and Indonesian veterinarians coordinated heal.th checks and transport plans to minimise animal stress.

• The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking in the region.

 

Related Stories

 

Thai-authorities-seize-smuggled-orangutans

 

Three-orangutans-seized-in-Thailands-wildlife-smuggling-bust

 

 

 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-12-23

 

 

15 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation will return four baby orangutans to Indonesia on 23 December 2025, following detailed health checks by Thai and Indonesian veterinarians. The transfer marks a significant step in cross-border wildlife protection under international conservation rules and aims to ensure the animals’ welfare during transport.

 

The four orangutans, identified as Jay and Rai Khing, both males, and Nune and Bow, both females, have been under Thai care at Wildlife Rescue Centre No. 3 (Prapat Chang) in Ratchaburi. Preparations are focused on minimising stress, with veterinarians from Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry closely involved in final assessments.

 

The first case stems from several wildlife trafficking incidents earlier in 2025. On 21 January 2025, three baby orangutans and other wildlife were illegally smuggled from Indonesia into Thailand and temporarily housed in Chumphon province. A separate case occurred on 14 May 2025, when two baby orangutans were seized during a controlled purchase operation in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok. One of those animals later died, leaving four surviving orangutans now approved for repatriation.

 

According to Mr Sadudee Phanphakdee, Director of the Wildlife and Plant Protection Division under CITES at the Department of National Parks, the Indonesian delegation was led by Mr Fuad Adriansyah, Deputy Ambassador of Indonesia to Thailand. The visit was intended to observe and finalise procedures before the animals’ return to their country of origin.

 

Veterinarians recommended transporting the orangutans in three cages to reduce stress. The two males will be housed separately, while the two females, still very young and easily distressed, will share one cage during the journey. The transfer process begins on 22 December 2025 at 4.00 pm, when the orangutans will be placed into transport cages to familiarise them with the environment. At 4.00 am on 23 December 2025, they will be moved to Suvarnabhumi Airport for departure.

 

The animals will fly on Garuda Indonesia flight GA867 from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. Thai and Indonesian authorities will jointly oversee the journey to ensure compliance with international welfare standards. Khaosod reported that orangutans are listed under Appendix I of the CITES convention, which strictly prohibits international trade. Between 2016 and 2025,

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Four baby orangutans will be repatriated from Thailand to Indonesia on 23 December 2025 under CITES rules.

• Thai and Indonesian veterinarians coordinated heal.th checks and transport plans to minimise animal stress.

• The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking in the region.

 

Related Stories

 

Thai-authorities-seize-smuggled-orangutans

 

Three-orangutans-seized-in-Thailands-wildlife-smuggling-bust

 

 

 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-12-23

 

 

No mention if anyone was caught and charged.

Apparently, they've left already !!!