Thai Police Bust International Wildlife Trafficking Ring
Thai police arrested four Indian nationals caught smuggling protected animals including a gibbon, langur, and 100 star tortoises through Bangkok's airport in July, dismantling part of an international trafficking ring that used a local hous
BANGKOK — 9 July 2026, Thai police have arrested four Indian nationals accused of attempting to smuggle protected wildlife out of the country after investigators expanded a probe into a transnational wildlife trafficking network.
The suspects, identified as Glastin, 53, Manimaran, 37, Lingesh, 24, and Noorul, 52, were arrested under warrants issued by the Central Tax Court on 6 July 2026.
They face charges of attempting to export goods without completing customs procedures and illegally exporting protected and controlled wildlife under Thailand's Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act.
Police also seized one gibbon, one Indonesian langur, 100 Indian star tortoises, three suitcases and a white Mazda 3 sedan registered in Udon Thani.
The investigation began in May 2026, when officers were alerted by an airline after baggage belonging to a passenger travelling from Thailand to India was returned because it contained live wild animals and animal remains.
Investigators uncovered what they described as a transnational wildlife trafficking network. According to police, Glastin was responsible for finding buyers, while Manimaran and Lingesh procured wildlife to match customer demand and arranged shipments overseas.
Police said the group allegedly used a house in Soi Bang Kradi 19 in Bangkok's Bang Khun Thian district to keep and pack the animals before export.
Officers later observed the suspects handing over suitcases containing wildlife to another suspect, identified as Thameem, at a hotel. The luggage was then taken to Suvarnabhumi Airport to be checked onto an international flight.
Authorities intercepted the baggage and found one gibbon, two langurs, six tegu lizards and five blue-tongued skinks concealed inside the suitcases. Thameem was arrested at the scene, and investigators later obtained warrants for four additional members of the alleged trafficking network.
Police said the four suspects admitted the charges during questioning.
The suspects and the seized animals have been handed over to investigators with the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division for legal proceedings. Authorities said the investigation is continuing to identify and arrest other members of the network.
