US officials visit National Parks Dept, praises Thailand for its modern system

[webfact]

US officials visit National Parks Dept, praises Thailand for its modern system

BANGKOK, 10 September 2013 (NNT) – United States officials have paid a visit to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) to observe the DNP’s operation in tackling illegal wildlife trade.

Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs William Brownfield, along with US Ambassador to Thailand Kristie Kenney, upon arrival was welcomed by Deputy Director General of the DNP Teerapat Prayurasiddhi.

During the visit, Mr Brownfield praised the DNP for its 40-long-year attempt to reduce and suppress wildlife smuggling, adding that Thailand is a role model for other countries to follow as it has a modern and effective operating system.

As Thailand is geographically conducive to wildlife trade, he said it will be a challenge for the DPN to suppress and crack down on wildlife smuggling, both fauna and flora.

As Thailand and the US have just celebrated their 180 years of diplomatic relations, the assistant secretary has urged for more cooperation from the two sides, both domestically and internationally.


-- NNT 2013-09-10

[clockman]

They did not make a surprise visit! So only saw what the Thai wanted them to see!

[mrtoad]

Did they have to pay Farang prices to enter?

[chainarong]

Besides paying a higher price of entry, did they happen to notice the rest of the mess spread across Asia , the rubbish tip of the world, the only clean country of merit is Singapore the rest are at best filthy.

[webfact]

Thailand, US join forces to combat illegal wildlife trade
By English News

BANGKOK: -- Thailand and the United States have joined forces to combat the illegal trade in wildlife in all 10 countries in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

US Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs William Brownfield and Ambassador Kristie Kenney visited the Wildlife Forensic Science Unit at the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation where they met with Thailand’s deputy chief of the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department Theerapat Prayoonsit to discuss how to curb the illegal trade of endangered plants and animals.

Following the talks, Mr Theerapat said Bangkok and Washington agreed to tighten control and improve law enforcement to curb trafficking of natural resources in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Thailand, as head of the ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement Network (ASEAN-WEN) has ensured the world community that it has effectively stepped up law enforcement against wildlife smuggling and arrested traffickers of wildlife, and animal parts -- especially elephant tusks and rhino horns, which has been an ongoing challenge.

Mr Brownfield said Thailand as the geographical heart of Southeast Asia not only served as the transit point for goods, it was also used by wildlife traffickers to transfer their products to destination countries. It is a challenge for Thailand to apply its best ability to suppress such trafficking.

However, he expressed confidence in Thailand’s readiness in terms of human resources and animal shelters which can be models for other Asian countries. He urged Thailand to strengthen contact for wildlife trade suppression with the United Nations and ther agencies on both national and regional levels.

Mr Brownfield and the US ambassador pledged support on wildlife protection, especially for elephant conservation, to ensure that the Thai elephants have a better quality of life and do not fall prey to the illegal ivory trade. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-09-10

[NongKhaiKid]

Were they shown the illegal resorts that have been up for decades right under the noses of the guardians of the parks.

I suppose they were too bust protecting the wildlife to notice.

[dukechance]

my sueb nahkathasian book says otherwise. yeah, have the u.s. government tell you your parks are clean. have them visit samet. they'll tell you it's as clean as ......

[lee b]

Did they have to pay Farang prices to enter?

Most likely yes hahaha

[kirk0233]

You know you are in a third world country when the observation that something appears modern is seen as a compliment.

[osiboy]

The U.S inspectors seems more concerned with wildlife than the human slavery happening with Burmese muslims in another national park , what became of them ? are they being protected or are plants more important ? ,..............great work if you can get it , gissa a job !

[klauskunkel]

Thailand is a role model for other countries to follow as it has a modern and effective operating system.

Yes, no doubt many departments here have state of the art gadgets, smart phones, I-pads and other electronica. Now we just need the right officials to actually run these departments in an ethical way.

[seminomadic]

The U.S inspectors seems more concerned with wildlife than the human slavery happening with Burmese muslims in another national park

yeah, and?

[surangw]

what was the cost of the booze and hookers to get this report?

[sunshine51]

To the USG (fish & game???) & the National Parks Department...

I'm pleased to announce you are the winners of...

[pilm]

Why do I envision the Thais smiling, bowing, wai-ing and agreeing, hoping the foreigners don't look at any places they haven't cleaned up and made perfect.

[Benmart]

This is another opportunity for the TVF critics to bash anything that sheds even a glimmer of something good. If they were given a pot of gold, most likely the complaints would be that it was too heavy or the gold did not shine bright enough.

"No good deed goes unpunished" seems to be the byword here for that group.

[15Peter20]

This is another opportunity for the TVF critics to bash anything that sheds even a glimmer of something good. If they were given a pot of gold, most likely the complaints would be that it was too heavy or the gold did not shine bright enough.

"No good deed goes unpunished" seems to be the byword here for that group.

Indeed, in this anti-PTP internet ghetto nothing good can be said about anything a government agency does.

I suppose here its not so much about what actually happens but more about the fears and insecurities of the 20% who post the most. Not so much about politics as posters, but then I guess that is to be expected on an anonymous web forum. Just as well policy isn't formulated in this way. It would be a case of those shouting the loudest (and longest) getting their way. Most undemocratic.

[zydeco]

This American official appears to have been a cop, not a Forest Service employee or administrator. This is the sort of person who would put a camera on every Redwood. No wonder he thought Thailand was doing a great job. Tear down every tree, so the criminals can't hide. Yep, that's the answer.

[rametindallas]

Thailand is a role model for other countries to follow as it has a modern and effective operating system.

Yes, no doubt many departments here have state of the art gadgets, smart phones, I-pads and other electronica. Now we just need the right officials to actually run these departments in an ethical way.

I'm sure a diplomatic Narc and an Ambassador are experts in park management and their endorsement was high praise, indeed\sarc.

What about the rubber plantations encroaching and the ongoing resorts built in the parks? What about the high and middle ranking police and military officer who regularly enjoy illegal hunting trips in the parks? Is elephant poaching as bad as wildlife smuggling? Anyone keeping up with the Thailand news know the parks are a disgrace with the litter and nonexistent maintenance.

Edited September 11, 2013 by rametindallas

[geriatrickid]

Besides paying a higher price of entry, did they happen to notice the rest of the mess spread across Asia , the rubbish tip of the world, the only clean country of merit is Singapore the rest are at best filthy.

Ahh, ok, so Japan is filthy? South Korea too? Taiwan? Good to know.

[Joe Mamma]

To the USG (fish & game???) & the National Parks Department...

I'm pleased to announce you are the winners of...

B-Signs045.jpg

Would rather give the Golden <deleted> Award!

[pilm]

This is another opportunity for the TVF critics to bash anything that sheds even a glimmer of something good.

Probably because they realize that everything in Thailand, as presented by Thais, is basically going to be a sham.

Just the culture, isn't it.

Though you'll probably disagree as the Lonely-Planet guide didn't mention it being this way.