Customs Seizes 3.1 Tons Smuggled Ivory Worth 155M Baht

On October 26, 2026, at Laem Chabang Port, Customs Department Director-General Phanthong Loykulnant, DSI Director-General Pol. Lt. Gen. Piya Rakkul, and National Parks Deputy Director-General Prathip Haimphayak held a joint press conference announcing a major ivory smuggling bust. Over 3.1 tons of ivory along with wildlife carcasses, valued at over 155 million baht, were seized after being discovered concealed in processed wood imported from Zambia. DNA testing is being prepared and the investigation will be expanded to pursue all connected individuals. Officials reiterated their commitment to controlling and preventing international trade from threatening or driving wildlife and plant species to extinction, and to stopping Thailand from becoming a transit route for illegal wildlife trafficking.

Phanthong revealed that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas have emphasized natural resource and environmental conservation policies alongside sustainable economic and social development. The focus is on strict law enforcement to protect forest resources, wildlife, and plant species, preserve biodiversity and ecological balance, and promote inter-agency cooperation to prevent and suppress offenses affecting natural resources and public interests.

The Customs Department has integrated cooperation with relevant law enforcement agencies, elevating inspection measures for high-risk imported and exported goods suspected of smuggling wildlife, plants, and controlled products, to tighten control over illegal import, export, and movement of goods. This is considered a crucial mission to protect society and natural resources, and to support Thailand's compliance with CITES obligations to prevent the country from being used as an international wildlife trafficking route.

Based on integrated intelligence and joint operations with international agencies, customs officers intercepted two suspicious containers imported from Zambia at Laem Chabang Port, declared as 568 pieces of processed Millettia wood totaling 48 cubic meters and 56,000 kg net weight. Inspection revealed 32 pieces had been modified with internal cavities covered by white putty to conceal ivory and wildlife carcasses. The National Parks Department was coordinated with for joint examination and evidence collection.

A large quantity of contraband was found, including 469 ivory branches and tusks weighing 3,042.67 kg, 1,038 ivory fragments weighing 66.20 kg, totaling 3,108.87 kg (over 3.1 tons) of ivory, 335 elephant tail hairs weighing 0.18 kg, and one wildlife carcass, with total estimated value of 155 million baht. The offenses violate the Customs Act B.E. 2560, Ivory Act B.E. 2558, Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562, and other related ministerial regulations and laws concerning import violations.