Taiwanese Gang Arrested for Smuggling Protected Wildlife at Don Mueang Airport

Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau and wildlife authorities have apprehended three Taiwanese men for attempting to smuggle over 50 protected wild animals, worth thousands of baht, out of the country. The arrest follows a previous incident involving another Taiwanese national caught with wildlife hidden on his person. The suspects, aged 36, 40, and 53, were found with 52 animals, including tortoises and a crocodile lizard, taped to their legs at Don Mueang Airport. The investigation led to a planned arrest, with officials discovering the network was the same as in the previous incident. The suspects confessed to receiving approximately 30,000 baht each time and had done it twice to sell to groups.

Key Takeaways:

• Three Taiwanese men, aged 36, 40, and 53, were arrested for smuggling protected wildlife out of Thailand.
• The animals seized included 52 protected species, including Indian star tortoises, spider tortoises, baby tortoises, mountain tortoises, and a crocodile lizard.
• The suspects were found with the animals taped to their legs, indicating deliberate hiding from authorities.
• The investigation revealed the network was the same as in a previous incident involving another Taiwanese national.
• The suspects confessed to receiving approximately 30,000 baht each time and had done it twice to sell to groups.
• The Wildlife and Plant Health Management Group has taken custody of the seized animals for care, rehabilitation, disease control, and treatment.

Statistics:

• 52 protected animals were seized from the suspects, including tortoises and a crocodile lizard.
• The suspects were paid approximately 30,000 baht each time for smuggling wildlife.
• The suspects had done this twice before selling to groups of people.
• The Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562, Customs Act B.E. 2560, and Animal Epidemics Act B.E. 2558 were cited in the charges against the suspects.
• The seized animals are currently in the care of the Wildlife and Plant Health Management Group.

Sources:

• "Three Taiwanese Men Arrested for Smuggling Protected Wildlife from Thailand" (Thai News Agency, October 17, 2025)
• "Arrests Made in Wildlife Smuggling Case at Don Mueang Airport" (Thai News Agency, dates unclear)