BANGKOK — Thai authorities have uncovered new evidence in an international wildlife trafficking case involving a baby gorilla, with potential links to a wealthy buyer from a third Asian country. The investigation has also revealed concerning connections to Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market as a hub for exotic animal trade networks.
The case began on December 21 when Turkish customs officials at Istanbul Airport intercepted a baby gorilla, an endangered species, hidden in a wooden crate. The shipment originated from Nigeria and was destined for Bangkok, Thailand.
Following the discovery, Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division collaborated with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and Istanbul’s CITES office to investigate the trafficking network. On December 25, Thai authorities executed a search warrant at an animal farm in Nakhon Pathom province to gather evidence.
Department of National Parks Chief Attapon Charoenchansa revealed on December 28 that investigators had made significant progress, including intelligence suggesting the involvement of a wealthy exotic animal collector from another Asian country.
“Gorillas require extensive space for proper care, making illegal possession particularly challenging,” Charoenchansa explained. “We continue to uncover more suspicious activities and leads, though we need solid evidence to prosecute the perpetrators. Further planning meetings will be held after the New Year holiday.”
The investigation has also revealed Chatuchak Market’s role not as a direct sales point for illegal wildlife, but as an information exchange hub for ordering exotic animals from abroad. “While Chatuchak is known for legal animal trade, it has become a networking center for facilitating imports and exports. We’ve ordered comprehensive monitoring of all animal shops, including those not under CITES regulations,” Charoenchansa stated.
Authorities are now working to establish clear evidence linking all parties involved, from source countries to final destinations. “We have a picture of how this network operates, but successful prosecution requires concrete evidence and international cooperation,” Charoenchansa added.
The investigation continues as authorities work to dismantle this international wildlife trafficking network and bring those responsible to justice.
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