Thailand’s officers combat wildlife trafficking
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In Thailand, officers from the Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) department are working to stop the illegal trade of wildlife, ranging from ivory to live animals.
Nawee leads a raid unit that intercepts the sale of trafficked species, and the DNP established a Wildlife Crime Intelligence Unit (WCU) in 2023 to track online activity. The WCU focuses on social media, where traders disguise sales by claiming animals need “rehoming” and using cropped images.
Undercover officers gather evidence needed for warrants to seize animals. One officer, Tee, has used disguises, like posing as a repairman or surveyor, to photograph animals kept illegally on private properties. Rescued animals often arrive at DNP facilities weakened by smuggling and in need of care, though young animals may not survive reintroduction to the wild. Recent successes include airport interceptions and a July raid that saved a leaf monkey, a gibbon, and hundreds of turtles.
Despite potential 10 to 15 year prison sentences, traffickers like Boonchai Bach have evaded justice, and the DNP faces challenges from uncooperative social media platforms and a lack of funding, sometimes requiring officers to spend their own money. The DNP believes ending the exotic pet trade would be the most impactful change.
