In Phuket, officials from the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary, together with police from Karon Police Station, arrested a man carrying a slow loris, also known as a nang ai, a protected wild animal. He was taking it around to have tourists take photos and threatened to harm officers during the arrest.
In the evening of 27 April 2026, officials from the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary, along with police from Karon Police Station, administrative officers, and Mr. Chalermpong Saengdee, Member of Parliament for District 2 of the People’s Party in Phuket Province, inspected the Karon subdistrict after receiving complaints about the illegal use of protected wildlife, such as the slow loris or nang ai, being offered to tourists for photographs.
The investigation found the offender in possession of one protected wild animal (a nang ai or slow loris), carrying one shoulder bag, along with two knives and a shark-gang hook. The suspect attempted to attack officers during the arrest.
Officials informed the suspect of his rights and arrested him according to the law. The suspect’s actions constituted possession of protected wildlife without permission, violating the Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Acts of 2019 and 1992, which carry penalties of up to a 500,000 baht fine or imprisonment up to 5 years.
The confiscated wild animal was sent to the Phang Nga Wildlife Breeding Center for rehabilitation and eventual release back into the wild.
Authorities emphasized that illegal possession of protected wildlife is a serious offense. This arrest demonstrates strict enforcement of laws to safeguard the nation's natural resources and wildlife.