Thai woman arrested over alleged wildlife trafficking from Laos

Thai woman arrested over alleged wildlife trafficking from Laos
Russian President Vladimir Putin will gift Kazakhstan four Siberian tigers when he visits on Wednesday (27 May). Siberian tiger in Yongin, South Korea, 29 December 2021.
Reuters

Thai investigators seized more than 100 protected wildlife remains after raiding a souvenir and traditional medicine shop accused of selling wildlife carcasses online.

A suspected wildlife trafficker has been arrested in Thailand for allegedly smuggling protected tiger skins and other animal remains from neighbouring Laos, according to material provided through Reuters Connect.

Police raided the shop in Nakhon Phanom on Tuesday, May 27, after complaints that protected animal parts were being advertised and sold through online channels.

Shop raid in Nakhon Phanom

The suspect, identified as Kulkanya, reportedly operated the shop as a front for the illegal wildlife trade while selling animal carcasses online. Authorities said she sourced wildlife remains from Laos before reselling them to tourists visiting Thailand's That Phanom district.

Officers seized more than 100 wildlife remains and parts during the raid, including tiger pelts, clouded leopard pelts, Asiatic golden cat pelts, reticulated python skins, pangolin scales, deer antlers, serow remains and bear remains.

Footage from the operation showed bundles of animal skins, feathers and preserved carcasses stored in plastic baskets inside the shop as investigators catalogued the haul. Police said Kulkanya was wanted over alleged violations of Thailand's Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act.

Penalties and trafficking route

If convicted, Kulkanya faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to one million baht for illegally trading protected wildlife carcasses. She also faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 500,000 baht for illegal possession of protected wildlife carcasses.

Authorities handed her over to investigators for further legal proceedings after the raid. The case highlights Thailand's role as a transit point in regional wildlife trafficking, particularly along cross-border routes from Laos into northeastern Thailand.

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Police said the seized remains included several protected species, and the investigation is continuing under wildlife protection laws.

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