BANGKOK — Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a draft ministerial regulation to remove the red-whiskered bulbul, also known as the “Nok Krong Hua Juk” songbird, from the country’s protected wildlife list, paving the way for wider breeding and commercial development.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Prertwiwatana said on Tuesday that the Cabinet approved the principle of the draft regulation proposed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The move would remove the red-whiskered bulbul from the list of protected non-aquatic wildlife species, where it is currently listed as a protected bird under item No. 576. The government said the change aims to support breeding, increase captive populations and develop the bird as an economic animal that can generate income for breeders.
Under the current regulations, owners, breeders and traders of red-whiskered bulbuls are required to obtain official permits and meet legal requirements, which have limited wider breeding and expansion, Lalida said.
She added that changing the bird’s status would allow people to breed and propagate the species more easily, helping increase captive populations and reducing reliance on catching birds from the wild.
The government also said the move would support local traditions, particularly in southern Thailand, where bird keeping and singing competitions are part of community culture.
The Wildlife Conservation and Protection Committee has approved the removal of the red-whiskered bulbul from the protected list, while instructing the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to closely monitor wild populations.
If the bird’s population declines or faces risks to its survival, authorities will reconsider restoring its protected status, Lalida said.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment previously opened a public consultation on the draft regulation between 11 and 25 February 2026. Lalida said most respondents supported the proposal, while relevant agencies raised no objections and viewed it as a way to create economic value for breeders.
“The change aims to balance support for local livelihoods and community economies with natural resource conservation,” Lalida said, adding that the government would promote responsible breeding while continuing to monitor wild populations to prevent ecological impacts and illegal capture.
