Thai officials seize 43 cattle near Cambodia border
Thai authorities seized 43 cattle suspected of being smuggled toward Cambodia in Sa Kaeo province after herders fled during a border patrol operation on May 15.
SA KAEO — On May 15, 2026, Thai livestock and security officials seized 43 cattle suspected of being smuggled toward the Cambodian border during a patrol operation in eastern Thailand.
The operation was led by Sa Kaeo Animal Quarantine Station chief Suphot Sangka and included livestock officials, border security forces, and Border Patrol Police.
Authorities said officers discovered a group of men herding two mixed-sex beef cattle herds near Ban Saeng village in Ta Phraya district, close to the Thai-Cambodian border.
When officials moved in to inspect the animals, the men fled into nearby forests and escaped. A subsequent search uncovered two separate groups of cattle—one with 13 animals and another with 30—totaling 43 head.
Because the cattle's origin could not be verified and authorities were concerned about potential disease transmission, the animals were transferred to the Sa Kaeo Animal Quarantine Station in Ta Phraya district.
Samples were collected for laboratory testing, and a police report was filed at Thap Thai police station.
If no infectious diseases are found and no owner comes forward to claim the cattle, the animals will be auctioned according to government regulations.
