Sa Kaew Animal Checkpoint Seizes 43 Smuggled Cattle Headed for Thailand-Cambodia Border
Authorities at Sa Kaew Animal Checkpoint seized 43 cattle being smuggled toward Cambodia after smugglers fled into the forest in Ta Phraya district. The animals are under quarantine pending disease testing and potential public auction if un
On May 15, 2026, Supon Sangka, head of the Sa Kaew Animal Checkpoint, ordered officials from the checkpoint and allied security units, led by Worawit Suephakwhaen of the Department of Livestock, along with officers Pornthep Chankaem, Burin Praserthasri, Somphop Thadaphuttakul, and Suteep Phisphirom, to conduct border patrol operations to prevent illegal animal trafficking. When the team reached Ban Saeng in Tambon Thap Sadet, Amphoe Ta Phraya, Sa Kaew Province, they spotted a group herding a large number of mixed-gender cattle toward the Cambodian border. Upon identifying themselves for inspection, the smugglers scattered and fled into the forest, using their familiarity with the terrain to escape. Officers discovered two herds of cattle in the area—the first containing 13 animals and the second containing 30 animals, totaling 43 head. All cattle were seized and brought to the Sa Kaew Animal Checkpoint's Ta Phraya branch for quarantine to prevent disease spread, as the origin of the animals is unknown. Samples have been sent to the laboratory for testing, and records were filed at Thap Thai Police Station. If test results show no disease and no owner comes forward to claim the animals, the checkpoint will proceed with public auction according to regulations.
