Phatthalung man arrested with carcasses of protected animals
A 32-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly possessing and selling carcasses of protected animals at his house in Phatthalung province.
The Phaya Suea National Park and Wildlife Protection Unit on Friday arrested Sitthichai (last name withheld) in Rommuang subdistrict.
The officials reportedly recovered 31 carcasses of protected animals, including great argus, purple swamphen, serow, hornbill, Asian golden cat, leopard, clouded leopard, tiger, Asian black bear, honey bear, and Javan pangolin. Officials also found several parts and carcasses of non-protected animals, such as deer, elephant, crocodile, and turtle.
Officials revealed that they had tracked the suspect down after arresting one of the hunters in Ratchaburi province on January 20, who allegedly supplied animal carcasses to Sitthichai to sell them via online channel.
Sitthichai was charged with possessing and selling carcasses of protected animals under Wild Animals Conservation and Protection Act BE 2562, which carries a maximum punishment of 15 years' jail time or Bt1.5 million fine, or both.
