Thailand denies being hub of illegal ivory trade

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Park chief rebuffs ivory hub claims

THEERAPAT READY FOR CITES GRILLING OVER ILLEGAL TRADE ACCUSATIONS

Published: 3 Mar 2013 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

The deputy conservation chief has rebuffed suggestions that Thailand is a hub for the illegal ivory trade, but conceded that the country remains a transit point for smugglers.

National Parks deputy chief Theerapat Prayurasiddhi was speaking ahead of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which gets under way Sunday and wraps up on March 14.

Mr Theerapat said that while many felt Thailand would be on the defensive at the meeting, he was unconcerned.

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Morphos
Post : 11
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Discussion 11 : 03 Mar 2013 at 13.3711
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Anyone who understands tropical conservation is well aware of Thailand's central position in wildlife smuggling and international trade. There is much more going on than Ivory/Rhino horn/Tiger parts. A trip to Chattuchaack market any day will show illegal crocodilians, Papuan reptiles, a wide range of Tortoises and freshwater turtles, various birds and even Tarsiers and Tamarin monkeys. Most are very easily recognised by even a non-specialist. I saw 496 Madagascan Radiated Tortoises of various ages, and 4 Tarsiers, on one, hopefully never to be repeated, afternoon! Hopefully, CITES representatives will have a stroll around the market!!!
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kena
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Discussion 10 : 03 Mar 2013 at 11.1610
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Thai authorities would not even be aware of this issue if not for int'l pressure. Now their response is vacillating and excuses.
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ubuntu
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Discussion 9 : 03 Mar 2013 at 10.569
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10 tons is just what got caught yet "major smuggling transit point" according to government logic is not a "smuggling hub". Mind boggling.
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pquinlan
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Discussion 8 : 03 Mar 2013 at 10.538
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There would be no one to arrest, efficiently or otherwise, if Thailand were not a hub of illegal trade in ivory.
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Laurie
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Discussion 7 : 03 Mar 2013 at 10.387
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Why is it that Thai authorities are always in denial? This is why things never seem to get done and makes Thailand a laughing joke on the world stage.
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Asterix
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Discussion 6 : 03 Mar 2013 at 08.566
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Blaming others for his own mistakes and/or negligences has been since long time the national sport for politicians and decision-makers amongst civil servants. It is time they understand how the world is working in 2013 (2556).
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dao
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Discussion 5 : 03 Mar 2013 at 08.485
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If Thiland isnt a hub for the ivory trade then why is it still legal to trade ivory here and why was it chosen as place to have this meeting ? Wake up and save some elephants .
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sirron
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Discussion 4 : 03 Mar 2013 at 08.474
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My province of residence is Surin. I was remarried (to the same woman), on a special Valentine Day ceremony on elephant back, at a Moo Ban that specializes in the raising and trainning of domestic elephants for shows and work. It is no small task to raise, feed and train an elephant, not to mention expensive. Souveniers (small amount) are made and sold from local elephants who die. No one here in the Provinces gets rich from the ivory trade. We (Thai and farang) all love the elephants. What goes on in Bangkok I cannot say. Sounds like Africa's the problem.
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tcr
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Discussion 3 : 03 Mar 2013 at 08.383
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Hard to believe anything the government says. Corruption is just too wide spread.
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dickemery
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Discussion 2 : 03 Mar 2013 at 08.232
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and l thought buddhaism held a high place in their belief for elephants,the evil of money,these people who deal in illegal trading,should be chained up ?
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