Officials Nab Illegal Rosewood Loggers, Seize Assets Worth 1 Million Baht
Authorities arrested five suspects and seized over 1 million baht in assets during a raid on an illegal rosewood extraction ring at Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chaiyaphum Province.
On July 19, Natural Resources Minister Suchart Chomkeling commended Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary officials and partner agencies for coordinating with Huai Yang police to bust an illegal rosewood extraction ring in the sanctuary. Authorities arrested five suspects—three Thai nationals and two Vietnamese nationals—and seized contraband worth approximately 1,040,000 baht, including two pickup trucks, 104 kilograms of rosewood, mobile phones, and tools used in the operation. The suspects face nine criminal charges and have been handed over to investigators at Huai Yang Police Station in Chaiyaphum Province. Attapol Charinchansar, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants, reported that the operation took place between July 18 and 19 and targeted a cross-border smuggling network. The minister has instructed prosecutors to file a strong motion opposing bail due to persistent problems of suspects obtaining release and then absconding. Officials will pursue the strictest legal measures to prevent offenders from evading justice and to ensure sustainable natural resource protection.
