Police Bust Illegal Wildlife Breeding Operation in Chiang Mai, Seize Over 60 Birds
Police raided two Chiang Mai locations and seized over 60 birds from a businessman operating an illegal wildlife breeding facility with an expired license. The majority of the protected parakeets and orioles lacked proper identification, in
On May 15, 2026, police led by Major Chirayuth Inkaew from Region 4's Investigation Section executed court-ordered searches at two locations in Chiang Mai. The first raid targeted a residence in Nong Khai Luang village, Nong Chom subdistrict, San Sai district, belonging to a 49-year-old businessman named Chati who operates a business in downtown Chiang Mai's Chang Phueak area. Officers discovered 40 banded parakeets, 2 rose-ringed parakeets, and 3 black-hooded orioles housed in cages at the property.
During inspection, officers found that 4 birds wore registered leg bands matching the breeding license records. However, the 40 banded parakeets had no identification marks, indicating they were likely wild birds illegally captured and caged. Another parakeet was identified as imported from India and therefore not protected under Thai wildlife law.
Investigators also found 2 adult rose-ringed parakeets without any identification bands. According to wildlife officials, this species is strictly protected and cannot be privately owned. Additionally, 3 adult black-hooded orioles without proper documentation were discovered, and records showed Chati had not declared possession of these birds. Wildlife authorities determined that Chati's breeding license had expired over a year ago.
Chati was charged with illegally possessing protected wildlife without authorization and operating an unlicensed breeding facility. A second raid at a Chiang Phueak area building in downtown Chiang Mai uncovered 11 additional banded parakeets, with only one wearing an identification band. The remaining birds lacked proper documentation. Officers located the suspect during this second operation.
