Livestock Department Deploys 6 Task Forces to Halt Illegal Cattle Imports

The Department of Livestock Development has escalated border control measures along the Thai-Myanmar border, establishing six special task forces to combat illegal cattle and buffalo smuggling in the northern provinces of Tak, Chiang Mai, and Mae Hong Son. The operation aims to prevent the spread of animal diseases, particularly Foot and Mouth Disease serotype SAT-1, which is currently absent from Thailand. Authorities have been ordered to seize animals and prosecute violators under the Animal Epidemics Act.

Dr. Chaiwat Yothakul, Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development, stated that the department places utmost importance on preventing and suppressing the illegal import of animals and carcasses along the border to protect consumer safety and Thai livestock farmers, in line with the policy of Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. Permanent Secretary Sarawut Nungjamnong, in his capacity as commander of the Joint Operations Center for Agricultural and Food Security (Phra Phirun), issued an urgent order for the department to elevate prevention and suppression measures against illegal cattle and buffalo imports along the Thai-Myanmar border to the highest level, specifically to prevent the entry of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) serotype SAT-1, which is circulating abroad while Thailand remains free of this serotype.

The Director-General emphasized that the department immediately acknowledged the order, instructing the Quarantine and Inspection Division to upgrade proactive operations by establishing six 'Special Task Forces for Suppressing Illegal Animal and Carcass Movement along the Border.' These forces comprise veterinary quarantine officers from animal quarantine stations in Ranong, Tak, Trang, Satun, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Pathom, and Mae Hong Son. They will conduct proactive operations along the northern border, with intensive focus on Tak, Chiang Mai, and Mae Hong Son provinces, effective immediately.

All six task forces will operate in coordination with Customs, Police, Military, local administration, and security agencies to set up checkpoints along natural passages and secondary routes, as well as strictly inspect animal movement documents. If illegal import or movement of cattle or buffalo without permission is discovered, officials will seize the animals for disease quarantine and pursue legal action under the Animal Epidemics Act B.E. 2558 (2015) with full penalties including imprisonment and fines as prescribed by law.

The department assures farmers and the public that it is ready to execute its mission strictly according to the orders and policies of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the Joint Operations Center for Agricultural and Food Security (Phra Phirun). Continuous surveillance and crackdown operations will be maintained to prevent animal epidemics from entering the country, safeguard the stability of Thai farmers' agricultural product prices, and protect consumer safety nationwide. The public can report suspicious animal or carcass smuggling via the DLD 4.0 application 24 hours a day.