Thailand’s undercover officers fight illegal wildlife trade

Bangkok, Thailand - Nawee Changpirom, a dedicated officer in the national parks department, has witnessed countless rescued wild animals during his years of combating illegal wildlife trafficking in Thailand. From leopards and hornbills to an anteater and even corals hidden in a ceiling, his unit, the Wildlife and Plant Conservation, battles a lucrative and global criminal enterprise.

Thailand's strategic location, teeming wildlife, and accessibility by various means makes it a hotspot for such illicit activities. In response, the national parks department established a dedicated Wildlife Crime Intelligence Unit in 2023, tasked with monitoring and curbing illegal wildlife purchases, with an emphasis on tracking these through social media.

Undercover officers, posing as repairmen, surveyors, and other roles, work to gather evidence for court orders to seize the animals. Despite their efforts, they often face challenges such as locating sellers or arriving too late to save the creatures. These trafficked animals are weakened by the smuggling process, often suffering from habitat loss, family separation, and unfamiliar diseases.

One such case involved a leaf monkey seized at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, destined for India. The DNP's Thanawadee Phaichana recounted how the rescued monkey was in poor condition, with some smuggled animals even receiving sedatives to remain still. Young animals struggle greatly once they arrive, as they fail to acquire the necessary survival skills.

Wildlife trafficking can lead to up to 10 years of imprisonment for protected species and 15 years for endangered ones. While recent arrests have resulted in successful interventions, setbacks remain. A high-profile case from 2019 saw a wildlife trafficking kingpin's case dismissed, but he remains at large. The officers face further challenges, including social media stonewalling and funding shortages.

Nawee Changpirom advocates for an end to the exotic pet trade, emphasizing that these wild creatures simply do not belong in cages.