BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai authorities have arrested two Taiwanese nationals at Don Mueang International Airport for attempting to smuggle protected wildlife out of the country, as enforcement efforts intensify against trafficking networks under orders from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin.
Athapol Charoenshunsa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said the suspects, aged 25 and 32, were detained while preparing to board a flight to Kaohsiung. The operation involved coordination between wildlife checkpoint officers, the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, airport authorities, and airline personnel.
Authorities found three protected animals concealed on the suspects: two Asian small-clawed otters and one slow loris. The suspects were taken into custody along with the animals and transferred to investigators for legal proceedings.
Officials said the suspects face charges under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act for illegal possession and attempted export of protected species. Authorities are also expanding investigations to identify related trafficking networks while increasing inspections at airports and border checkpoints nationwide. (NNT)
