Police in Chonburi have arrested a husband and wife accused of illegally trading protected wildlife after allegedly cutting up tiger skins to make talismans for online sale. The operation on 18 March 2026 led to the seizure of numerous items linked to the trade, with the suspects now facing serious criminal charges. Authorities say the case highlights ongoing efforts to combat wildlife trafficking in Thailand.

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The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), working through the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, carried out the arrests under a warrant issued by the Min Buri Criminal Court. The suspects, identified as Mr Akkharadet and Ms Khanittha, were detained at their residence in Surasak subdistrict, Si Racha district, Chonburi province. Investigators from Division 1 had earlier detected online activity linked to the sale of protected wildlife remains.

Police allege the pair cut tiger skins into smaller pieces to produce talismans and amulets aimed at collectors interested in items made from wildlife remains. During a search of the property, officers seized a large tiger skin measuring 29x22 inches and another measuring 13x13 inches. More than 160 pieces of processed tiger skin were also found, some already packaged in plastic boxes for sale.

In addition, officers confiscated 17 completed tiger-skin talismans along with tools used in their production. All seized items have been retained as evidence for legal proceedings. The suspects have been charged with jointly trading and possessing protected wildlife carcasses without permission under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019).

Pictures courtesy of SiamNews

Under the law, tiger species are classified as protected mammals, listed at number 158. Penalties for trading protected wildlife include up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to 1,000,000 baht, or both, while possession carries penalties of up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to 500,000 baht, or both. Authorities stressed that wildlife is a shared natural resource requiring conservation and warned against the use of animal remains in superstition-based practices.

Officials also cautioned the public that possession of protected wildlife remains without authorisation carries significant criminal penalties. The suspects and seized items have been handed over to investigators from Division 1 for further legal action. The case will proceed in accordance with Thai law, with authorities investigating where the skins were purchased.

SiamNews reported that authorities are expected to continue monitoring online platforms for illegal wildlife trade and to expand enforcement against similar networks operating in the country.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Siamnews 20 Mar 2026

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I wonder if they got the skins from that tiger "sanctuary" up north where dozens of tigers recently died?

Hey honey I got a great idea. Lets use an endangered animal to create silly amulets.

Im sure Buddha would approve.

The practice of using animal parts has been around Asia for a very long time. Rhinoceros horns, bear paws and gall bladders, tiger and snake skins, deer antlers, glands and penises, seahorses, pangolin scales and others, with some to no proof of working at all. Animals are killed for parts and wasted, much the same as elephant ivory and shark fins.