Mae Sot, 13 June 2024 – In a significant legal decision, the Mae Sot Provincial Court has sentenced two individuals for the illegal trafficking of protected wildlife. This follows a collaborative operation by the Mae Sot Wildlife Checkpoint, the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division (NED), and military forces, which resulted in the arrest of a gang involved in smuggling “tamarin monkeys, wallaroo kangaroos, and common marmosets” across the border to a neighboring country on 26 December 2023.
The authorities apprehended Mr. Ekdanai Wongmamat and Mr. Alfal (surname unknown) at the Mae Cha Raue border area in Mae Ramat District, Tak Province. The seizure included two golden-handed tamarins, six wallaroos, and two common marmosets, valued at a total of 440,000 baht. The animals were intended for smuggling into the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. These actions violated the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act, the Animal Epidemics Act, the Customs Act, and the Immigration Act. Both defendants confessed to the charges.
On 21 March 2024, the Mae Sot Provincial Court handed down its verdict. Mr. Ekdanai Wongmamat was convicted of attempting to export protected wildlife without authorization, attempting to transport animals through the kingdom without permission, and attempting to export goods that had not cleared customs, in violation of the law. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison, and the confiscated animals were seized by the state.
Mr. Alfal faced similar charges and an additional charge of residing in the kingdom without authorization. The court sentenced him to 14 months in prison and ordered the seizure of the confiscated animals.
The confiscated wildlife, including the two golden-handed tamarins and two common marmosets, have been transferred to the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Breeding Station for care. The six wallaroos have been handed over to the Department of Livestock Development for further management.
The verdict highlights the Thai government’s commitment to combat wildlife trafficking and enforce stringent measures against those who violate wildlife protection laws. The operation and subsequent legal proceedings underscore the importance of cross-agency cooperation in tackling environmental crimes and preserving Thailand’s rich biodiversity.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and key officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, and Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanit, have emphasized the need for continued vigilance and enforcement to protect the nation’s natural resources.
