THE REGION needs a clear action plan to tackle wildlife trafficking, experts stressed this past weekend as the leaders of Asean nations meeting in Bangkok endorsed the “Chiang Mai Statement of Asean Ministers Responsible for CITES and Wildlife Enforcement”.

A SUSPECTED wildlife trafficking kingpin accused of smuggling US$1 million (Bt31 million) worth of rhino horns to Thailand has had the case against him dismissed, in a surprise court verdict slammed by conservationists.