Nine cats and a rabbit were rescued from a pickup truck near the Aranyaprathet border, Sa Kaeo, on Wednesday, thwarting a smuggling attempt to Cambodia. A Thai man was arrested, confessing to having been hired by Cambodian friends to deliver the animals near the Rong Kluea Market for a fee of 300 baht per animal, according to Sa Kaeo Animal Quarantine Station officials.

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Officials and rangers stopped the suspicious truck in tambon Khlong Nam Sai, discovering seven pet carrier bags and two plastic cages. Local media shared video footage of long-haired cats panting in the heat, sparking outrage among pet lovers online. The smuggling operation's ultimate aim remains unknown.

The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was transferred to Khlong Nam Sai police station. He faces charges of exporting animals without permission under the Animal Epidemics Act, authorities confirmed.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Bangkok Post · 30 Apr 2026

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Something is really missing from this story, because I would assume, that there are both cats and rabbits available in Cambodia.

Smuggling rabbits for 300 Baht per animal seems ludicrous at best.

Poor kittens...just hope that all those street food stalls in Thailand have not been serving me cat meat ?

Thats nothing - should see the amount of Aussies smuggling budgies !!!

I'm no rocket scientist, but who in the hell smuggles a cat and a rabbit across a contigueous border. Let the bawtstards walk (or hop) by themelves. The world really has gone to hell in a hand cart - apologies to Stephen King.

11 hours ago, jts-khorat said:

Something is really missing from this story, because I would assume, that there are both cats and rabbits available in Cambodia.

Smuggling rabbits for 300 Baht per animal seems ludicrous at best.

Rarer and more appealing breeds that presumably are highly expensive there. Hi-So ladies like to show them off in their designer handbags.

6 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Rarer and more appealing breeds that presumably are highly expensive there. Hi-So ladies like to show them off in their designer handbags.

7 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Rarer and more appealing breeds that presumably are highly expensive there. Hi-So ladies like to show them off in their designer handbags.

Paris Hilton got a lot to answer for !