Thailand destroys ivory stockpile amid govt crackdown

[webfact]

ILLEGAL IVORY TRADE
Thailand destroys ivory stockpile amid junta crackdown

BANGKOK - Thailand destroyed more than two tonnes of ivory Wednesday -- a victory for animal rights groups fighting against the trade in a country renowned for being a hub for illegal tusks.

The ceremony, in which 2,155 kilograms of raw tusks and carved trinkets were fed into an industrial rock crusher before being incinerated, was presided over by the Thai junta leader Prayu Chan-o-cha and is the first time the kingdom has taken steps to destroy part of its stockpile.

"This is to show the Thai government’s strong determination to oppose ivory trafficking and that Thailand will comply with international rules," he said during the ceremony.

Animal rights campaigners have long accused successive Thai civilian and military administrations of turning a blind eye to the lucrative trade.

They have pushed for Bangkok to destroy its stockpile to signal its determination to stamp down on the trade and avoid the risk of seized ivory finding its way back onto the black market through corrupt officials.

Trade in ivory was banned in 1989 under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). But that has not stopped criminal gangs seeking to exploit a continued demand for tusks in Asia.

Ivory and other body parts of elephants are prized for decoration, as talismans, and for use in traditional medicine across parts of Asia with Thailand a key transit point.

The country’s generals, who seized power in a coup last spring, have vowed to crack down on the illegal ivory trade.

Earlier this year, they ordered all Thais to register any ivory they owned, warning that those who failed to do so would see their items confiscated.

They have also made a series of high profile seizures including four tonnes of ivory found hidden in containers in April that originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo and was destined for Laos.

Thai police seized more than three tonnes of ivory a week later in a second haul, this time from Kenya that was again destined for Laos.

The ivory destroyed on Wednesday accounts for nearly all of Thailand’s stockpile where criminal cases have been completed.

A further 540 kilograms has been donated to museums, government institution and universities to be used for educational and awareness raising purposes.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Thailand-destroys-ivory-stockpile-amid-junta-crack-30267468.html


-- The Nation 2015-08-26

[Dibbler]

" The country’s generals, who seized power in a coup last spring, have vowed to crack down on the illegal ivory trade. Earlier this year, they ordered all Thais to register any ivory they owned, warning that those who failed to do so would see their items confiscated."

That is a warning, not a cracking down! A crack down what be when the authorities ban domestic trade in ivory, conduct investigations to find out who is trading with Africa and Lao, and actively stop those people from using Thailand as the transit point for illegal ivory.

[h90]

that is one of the most stupid things to do.....destroying it keeps the market prices high and ensure that more elephants are killed.

Reminds me on Thailands successful narcotic politics.....

The question is on both accounts: is it possible to be so stupid or do the decision maker or adviser have their fingers in the trade and profit from high market prices>

[cumgranosalum]

I think it is worth bearing in mind that it is about NOW that CITES are to decide whether or not to start trade sanctions against Thailand for their total lack of action against the ivory trade since hosting the CITES conference a few years back.

these sanctions could cost Thailand trillions of baht.

Let's hope that CITES aren't swayed by just this one action which could in the view of a few, be too little too late.

[cumgranosalum]

that is one of the most stupid things to do.....destroying it keeps the market prices high and ensure that more elephants are killed.

Reminds me on Thailands successful narcotic politics.....

The question is on both accounts: is it possible to be so stupid or do the decision maker or adviser have their fingers in the trade and profit from high market prices>

That old chestnut?

No it has been shown that large stocks of ivory usually end up back in the trade - they have little or no effect on the value.

There has been a lot of research done into what drives the ivory market and it is demand from a relatively uneducated nouveau riche in Vietnam and China. THe key is to reduce the demand and keep any supply well out of the market.

If you see ivory and KNOW it is illegal regardless, then the trade has been changed.

Comparing ivory to narcotics is misleading as their is no limited supply of narcotics - they are NOT and endangered species.

Edited August 26, 2015 by cumgranosalum

[Mackie]

Some people here really cannot be pleased. No matter what Thais do they will find the reason to complain. This action is definitely a step in the right direction. Thailand faces complete extinction of their favourite animal - the Elephant if urgent actions aren't taken. Deforestation, poaching elephant babies and torturing them in order to use them in entertainment industry, killing elephants for ivory etc...etc....Much more needs to be done and I hope this government and the next one will continue tackling all those issues.

[lostmebike]

Thailand destroys ivory stockpile amid junta crackdown

(but just keep a few container loads round the back for the highest bidder)

[jacksam]

that is one of the most stupid things to do.....destroying it keeps the market prices high and ensure that more elephants are killed.

Reminds me on Thailands successful narcotic politics.....

The question is on both accounts: is it possible to be so stupid or do the decision maker or adviser have their fingers in the trade and profit from high market prices>

And what would you do with it. Sell it at Jay Jay market?

Brilliant

[phycokiller]

that is one of the most stupid things to do.....destroying it keeps the market prices high and ensure that more elephants are killed.

Reminds me on Thailands successful narcotic politics.....

The question is on both accounts: is it possible to be so stupid or do the decision maker or adviser have their fingers in the trade and profit from high market prices>

guess they learnt that from their drug dealing businesses

[slapout]

At least some action was taken today, That is more than can be said for past governments. The so called Junta is cracking some heads in drug dealing corruption, fishing holidays in Thai waters, etc. keep up the pressure and good work.

[FangFerang]

This government has its left foot nailed to the floor.

Whenever they take a step in the right direction, they step right back, because they can't move the other foot without the shadow government's permission.

It's laughable on a daily basis, and a series of cosmetic reforms, incredibly arrogant obfuscations and whinging.

[Jim walker]

Well done Junta get rid of Ivory and eventually people will stop using or wanting Ivory and the elephants can breathe a sigh of relief and wander free in the jungle again without getting poisoned at their drinking holes or caught in snares by poachers.

[jhogenhout]

The elephants are being killed for their ivory.

In my opinion that's no reason for killing such a beautiful creature.

Killing/mutiliation or other form of violence against humans, animals or nature for luxury or vandalism is very bad.

Why destroying the ivory instead of selling it and use the received funds for anti poaching or related issues.

Now the elephants are really killed for no reason...

" The country’s generals, who seized power in a coup last spring, have vowed to crack down on the illegal ivory trade. Earlier this year, they ordered all Thais to register any ivory they owned, warning that those who failed to do so would see their items confiscated."

That is a warning, not a cracking down! A crack down what be when the authorities ban domestic trade in ivory, conduct investigations to find out who is trading with Africa and Lao, and actively stop those people from using Thailand as the transit point for illegal ivory.

Edited August 26, 2015 by jhogenhout

[Soutpeel]

Well done Junta get rid of Ivory and eventually people will stop using or wanting Ivory and the elephants can breathe a sigh of relief and wander free in the jungle again without getting poisoned at their drinking holes or caught in snares by poachers.

Or getting shot by American "hunters" looking for a quick thrill, maybe next banning will stop people shooting lions and other species for cash with bows trying show how macho they are ?

[Pinot]

This government has its left foot nailed to the floor.

Whenever they take a step in the right direction, they step right back, because they can't move the other foot without the shadow government's permission.

It's laughable on a daily basis, and a series of cosmetic reforms, incredibly arrogant obfuscations and whinging.

I wonder if it's possible to make a more cynical post? You must be a joy to be around.

I applaud the destroying of the ivory stockpile. It's a big step in the right direction. The United States just burned up a huge pile of ivory and the same negative sentiments were voiced. Ivory should be banned for all uses. It's absolutely barbaric to be killing these remarkable animals for their teeth.

[lvr181]

While there is a $ to be made/paid there will be corruption at all levels by way of acceptance or turning of a blind eye. That is the way of many societies.

And that will not change anytime soon

[simon43]

Mods, can I post this link and photo?

Meanwhile, the Phuket Gazette features a recent report where the island governor is sitting in front of some elephant tusks - plastic of course

http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/All-hands-deck-Phuket-flood-prevention/61805

[cumgranosalum]

At the beginning of the year Thailand was given 6 months to clean up its ivory act.

To get some idea of how serious CITES considered the situation the Thai authorities were informed the If they didn't get serious about the trade then they could face an international trade ban on the 35,000 species covered by the CITES treaty.

This would will be the first time that the organisation finally uses the tools at its disposal to protect endangered species.

Oeystein Stoerkersen, chairman of CITES’ governing body made the announcement at a meeting in Geneva ....

"“There have been years without any real action on the ground when it comes to controlling the illegal ivory market, be it illegal imports or trade within Thailand.”

“Unless there is a positive outcome of strengthening of legislation… then Thailand will face a ban, and a suspension of all trade no matter what commodity it is, of the 35,000 species listed with CITES,”

the Thai government - in the form of deputy director Mr Adisorn Nutdamrong of National Parks then made some reports and various "pleasant" announcements as to how CITES were impressed by Thailand's progress - there was little said by CITES themselves. In fact although they felt some areas had seen progress they were still concerned about others such as.....

"penalties for possession and trade in African ivory tusks; the age of domesticated elephants required to be registered; and clarification on notification of possession of ivory tusks of domesticated elephants."

In fact CITES were calling for, if not demanding, the closure of the entire internal Thai ivory trade - which at present is still LEGAL.

There is a report on the ivory trade here..........https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB8QFjAAahUKEwji0PjG5sbHAhUUj44KHRrbBcQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.traffic.org%2Fstorage%2FThailand-market-survey-report.pdf&ei=ALjdVeJQlJ66BJq2l6AM&usg=AFQjCNFkwvAIG-FiHdTuDG0FQ_fHLHwauA&sig2=f5-WuwHIcWR9CS_uyeD2Bg

The authorities back-pedalled on this stating that they couldn't shut down the ivory trade in Thailand as it would interfere with many people's right to make money(?(?(?(?)

If you look at Thailand's performance since the CITES conference in Bangkok in March 2013 (both this and the previous government's) you get a distinct impression that Thailand really doesn't care very much - they have done very little at any time under any government and it is only when threatened with SERIOUS sanctions that they resort to these kind of spectacles......... One feels the approach is one of plenty of talk and very little action, interspersed with the occasional "showpiece" event - e.g. a large ivory haul or this crushing and burning. (see Oeystein Stoerkersen above)

Prayuth talks the talk but I for one am yet to be convinced he's going to walk the walk.

Mr Adisorn Nutdamrong, deputy director-general of National Parks and Wildlife Department has admitted that "Thailand was still kept on the watch-list of concern and was required to implement action plan regarding trade in ivory tusks and to submit a report on the progress of the implementation of the plan to the secretary-general of CITES within September 15 so that it can be forwarded to the 66th conference of the administrative committee of CITES scheduled on January 11-15 next year."

Thai PBS - July 23, 2015

So I think one needs to regard this well-publicised act with a soupçon of cynicism - burning ivory is a good idea and needed to be done several years ago - I believe they aren't burning ALL their stocks either..... but maybe that would that be just to much to bear for some politicians?

Edited August 26, 2015 by cumgranosalum

[cumgranosalum]

This government has its left foot nailed to the floor.

Whenever they take a step in the right direction, they step right back, because they can't move the other foot without the shadow government's permission.

It's laughable on a daily basis, and a series of cosmetic reforms, incredibly arrogant obfuscations and whinging.

I wonder if it's possible to make a more cynical post? You must be a joy to be around.

I applaud the destroying of the ivory stockpile. It's a big step in the right direction. The United States just burned up a huge pile of ivory and the same negative sentiments were voiced. Ivory should be banned for all uses. It's absolutely barbaric to be killing these remarkable animals for their teeth.

...and could their be a more naive post too?

[Brer Fox]

And how much of the confiscated tusks actually found their way in to the incinerator. And how much will end up in the black market after being spirited away before the ceremony. Surely no one is silly enough to believe it was all destroyed.

[cumgranosalum]

And how much of the confiscated tusks actually found their way in to the incinerator. And how much will end up in the black market after being spirited away before the ceremony. Surely no one is silly enough to believe it was all destroyed.

"Black Market"? - the ivory trade in Thailand is LEGAL.

THere are moves to better trace the origins of ivory but that involves technology, expenditure and enforcement--------hardly in abundant supply in Thailand

[ginocox]

They should march a couple of elephant calves out and shove them into the grinders as well, as that's what they're doing -- condemning more elephant to slaughter by poachers.

[cumgranosalum]

And how much of the confiscated tusks actually found their way in to the incinerator. And how much will end up in the black market after being spirited away before the ceremony. Surely no one is silly enough to believe it was all destroyed.

Half has been kept back for "education and research"

Like they really need all that?

Edited August 26, 2015 by cumgranosalum

[cumgranosalum]

They should march a couple of elephant calves out and shove them into the grinders as well, as that's what they're doing -- condemning more elephant to slaughter by poachers.

Although your disgust at the slaughter of elephants is laudable, it is unfortunate that you haven't bothered to familiarise yourself with the causes and remedies connected to the ivory trade and the slaughter and smuggling of elephants.

Part of the problem is people's general ignorance of what is actually happening and why........i would seriously recommend that before commenting on an issue like this you get up to speed on the issues involved.

Edited August 26, 2015 by cumgranosalum

[sammygood]

supply & demand

the price just went up

or was it some fake chinese imitation ivory burnt for shows ?

[cumgranosalum]

supply & demand

the price just went up

or was it some fake chinese imitation ivory burnt for shows ?

Just citing "supply and demand" is an immensely over simplistic way if looking at the problem, especially as you appear to be looking solely at a blinkered view of just the supply side.

You need to look at the demand side too and see how this can be addressed.

Nether sides of this equation are anywhere near as straightforward as your glib comment would suggest.

[cumgranosalum]

I would suggest that the most realistic way to view this exercise is as a publicity stunt... And little more.

It may well raise awareness of the fact that there is a problem with the trade in ivory, but judging by many of the posts on thisbthread it gas done little to increase awareness of the actual issues involved and nothing to dent the current supply of ivory to the "legal" trade in Thailand.

It doesn't connect the slaughter of African elephants to the Thai inaction on the trade, it doesn'tdoesn't infoirm the public that there ius a thriving ivory carving and trade industry in Thailand and it doesn't address the reasons wwhythe demand foir ivory is creating an eco-disaster

[The Deerhunter]

The post also mentions two big shipments (officially) bound for Laos. Then over the very soft border into China.

Edited August 28, 2015 by The Deerhunter