Malaysian, Thai arrested in ivory trade

[Thaivisa News]

Bangkok:- Police have arrested a Malaysian and a Thai for having allegedly carried out illegal ivory trade by buying and smuggling in tusks from Africa to resell to customers in Thailand.

The arrest was announced at a joint press conference held by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Dapong Ratanasuwan and National Police chief Pol Gen Somyos Pumphanmuang at the Royal Thai Police at 4:30 pm.

Somyos said the two suspects were arrested Thursday morning. They were identified as Boon Ching Teo, 51, a Malaysian, and Sirichai Sridanon, 50, a resident of Bangkok’s Bang Khen district. Police are still hunting for a Thai accomplice identified only as Dam.

Police investigated and found a link to Sirichai after Surin police arrested Kampol Noithanom, 47, with 51 tusks on December 31. Sirichai was arrested at his house before Boon was arrested at the Don Mueang International Airport.

Somyos said Boon had allegedly bought tusks from poachers in Africa. Boon’s passport showed that he had been frequently visiting African countries, including Kenya.

Boon allegedly smuggled ivory through the border of Sadao district in Songkhla and Dam would keep and distribute the ivory to buyers around the country. Sirichai allegedly opened a bank account to receive transactions from the buyers before he transferred the money to Boon.

Somyos said Sirichai had been arrested earlier by officers from the Chokchai station and police are pressing charge against him for that arrest.

Somyos said police would conduct further investigation to find out whether the gang had more accomplices.

Dapong said he was happy with the police operation to bust the ring.

[webfact]

Thai Officials Arrest Two Men - Seize 135 Kilograms of African Ivory

Thailand authorities made a major arrest Thursday. Two men, one from Malaysia and one from Thailand, were caught with 135 kilograms of African Ivory. One of the biggest arrests in recent years, the two men were party of a transnational network that trades ivory in Asia.

Thailand officials have ramped up their control over the trade amid threats of international sanctions. Thailand is one of the world’s top destinations for ivory smuggling.

Authorities seized the ivory, 51 pieces in total, on December 31^st. The value of the seized goods is estimated to be worth 5.8 million baht.

If convicted, the suspects will face four years of imprisonment. The two suspects are accused of trading ivory along the country’s southern border. One of the men, Boon Ching Teo, made visits to Thailand, Kenya and several other African countries according to his travel documents.

Fear of a depleting African elephant population has authorities cracking down on illegal poaching in the country. In recent years, the ivory trade has grown as a demand for ivory has increased. This has led to tens of thousands of elephants being killed for their tusks. Poaching has become such a widespread problem that China has banned ivory imports for one year as the country is a hotspot for African ivory.

International sanctions are a possibility if Thailand does not take the necessary steps to put a stop to the country’s current ivory smuggling. A report must be submitted by Thailand to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) at the end of March.

If CITES does impose sanctions, it will be devastating to the country. Sanctions of 40 – 50 billion baht may be imposed. Thai authorities are hoping that the recent arrest shows that the country is making an effort to stop illegal poaching.

-- © thaivisa.com 2015-03-20

[ChrisY1]

No mention of checking the buyers of tusks here in Thailand.....maybe they also should be charged with receiving illegal ivory.........but, I guess that'll not happen with influential buyers!

[cumgranosalum]

"International sanctions are a possibility if Thailand does not take the necessary steps to put a stop to the country’s current ivory smuggling. A report must be submitted by Thailand to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) at the end of March.

If CITES does impose sanctions, it will be devastating to the country. Sanctions of 40 – 50 billion baht may be imposed. Thai authorities are hoping that the recent arrest shows that the country is making an effort to stop illegal poaching."

This is the crucial factor - all of a sudden there is a flurry of activity on the elephant and ivory front....Like a kid desperately trying to make his room look tidy before his parents get home...........

Edited March 20, 2015 by cumgranosalum

[cumgranosalum]

No mention of checking the buyers of tusks here in Thailand.....maybe they also should be charged with receiving illegal ivory.........but, I guess that'll not happen with influential buyers!

The trade in ivory within Thailand is legal and up until now it has been very difficult - or there has been no will - to tell which ivory is legal and which is not. The Thai authorities claim now to have a system in place - it remains to be see how effective this is.

CITES and most opinions on the ivory trade would seem to suggest that the WHOLE trade should be shut down, regardless. However a government spokesman said that this was not going to happen as it would interfere with people's right to do business...(!?!?!?!?!)

Edited March 20, 2015 by cumgranosalum

[useronthenet]

Out of all the crimes that go on, this must be one of the most disgusting of them all. Those responsible must be imprisoned for life. Those countries that failt to protect wildlife especially endangered animals, must also be punished by sanctions, and anything else that will deter this odious trade ! Thailand must start to get it's act sorted out or face the consequences.

[sunshine51]

For these two perps I reckon they should have one tooth pulled

every month without anesthesia vis a pair of pliers while serving

a natural life sentence...ie...ain't gettin outta prison in 20 years.

When the teeth are all gone it's timeto start on the finger & toe

nails...they grow back...keep pulling.

[55Jay]

For these two perps I reckon they should have one tooth pulled

every month without anesthesia vis a pair of pliers while serving

a natural life sentence...ie...ain't gettin outta prison in 20 years.

When the teeth are all gone it's timeto start on the finger & toe

nails...they grow back...keep pulling.

Not to mention those who drug people and steal their kidneys. Recall that story couple weeks ago, guy woke up in his hotel room to find his girlfriend for the night had cut his willy clean off!!

[duanebigsby]

No mention of checking the buyers of tusks here in Thailand.....maybe they also should be charged with receiving illegal ivory.........but, I guess that'll not happen with influential buyers!

The trade in ivory within Thailand is legal and up until now it has been very difficult - or there has been no will - to tell which ivory is legal and which is not. The Thai authorities claim now to have a system in place - it remains to be see how effective this is.

CITES and most opinions on the ivory trade would seem to suggest that the WHOLE trade should be shut down, regardless. However a government spokesman said that this was not going to happen as it would interfere with people's right to do business...(!?!?!?!?!)

I agree, must shut down ALL ivory sales to stop illegal sales.

I grew up in Kenya when hunting was allowed. They had strict rules and, if followed, hunting could have been sustainable.

While I was there the decision was made that, due to poaching, all hunting would be outlawed.

This was done under Richard Leakey's watch over the Kenya Wildlife Department.

I think the only way to stop the illegal ivory trade and join almost every other country in the world is to stop sales entirely.

Edited March 20, 2015 by duanebigsby

[cup-O-coffee]

Every good scam of this sort needs a few busts, every now and then, to appear legitimate.

Next...!