Two Taiwanese men have been arrested at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok after allegedly attempting to smuggle protected wildlife out of Thailand, authorities said on 3 April 2026. The suspects, aged 25 and 32, were detained while preparing to board a flight to Kaohsiung. Officials discovered three live protected animals concealed on their bodies: two Asian small-clawed otters and one slow loris.

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The arrests took place at about 03:45 during a joint operation involving wildlife checkpoint officers, environmental crime police, airport authorities and airline staff. The men were taken into custody along with the animals and handed over to investigators from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division. Authorities confirmed the suspects are facing charges under Thailand’s Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act of 2019.

The charges include illegal possession of protected wildlife and attempting to export protected species without permission. The seized animals are classified as protected under Thai law, which strictly regulates their possession and transport. Wildlife trafficking remains a persistent issue in the region, with airports often used as transit points for illegal exports.

Atthaphon Charoenchansa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin had ordered authorities to pursue the case strictly. He added that officials would expand the investigation to identify any wider trafficking network linked to the suspects. The directive reflects ongoing efforts to tackle transnational wildlife crime.

Authorities have also been instructed to tighten inspections at airports and border checkpoints nationwide. Increased scrutiny is expected as officials attempt to prevent similar smuggling attempts. The case highlights continued enforcement efforts against illegal wildlife trade in Thailand.

Khaosod reported that further investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspects were acting independently or as part of a larger network. Officials have not yet released additional details about the origin or intended destination of the animals beyond the planned flight. Legal proceedings against the suspects are expected to follow under the law.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 4 Apr 2026

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So the animals, at least the otters, died as the picture suggests??

Animal smuggling is a particularly heinous crime, and this latest case at Don Mueang just reinforces how ruthless these networks are.

These people treat living creatures as disposable commodities, with zero regard for welfare or the long‑term damage they inflict on Thailand’s native fauna.

The only meaningful deterrent is a firm prison sentence, fines alone won’t stop organised smugglers who see this as easy money.

Thailand’s authorities did well to intercept this shipment, but strong, consistent sentencing is essential if we want to see real change.