Wildlife Officials Bust Herbal Shop in Nakhon Phanom, Arrest 37-Year-Old Woman Trafficking Protected Animal Parts, Seize Over 100 Tiger Skins and Pangolin Scales
Wildlife officials arrested a 37-year-old woman operating a herbal shop in Nakhon Phanom after seizing over 100 protected animal parts including tiger skins and pangolin scales she was smuggling from Laos.
On May 27, 2025, Lieutenant General Anukit Taosupap, commander of the Wildlife Enforcement Division, ordered officers to arrest Ms. Kulkalya (surname withheld), 37, based on an arrest warrant from the Minburi Criminal Court issued on May 22, 2025, for trading and possessing protected wildlife remains without authorization. Officers conducted a search of a shop in Moo 11, That Phanom District, Nakhon Phanom Province, where they confiscated numerous protected animal items.
Seized items included: - Bengal tiger skins - Clouded leopard skins - Tiger skins - Python skins - Pangolin scales - Deer antlers - Gibbon remains - Bear remains - Various other protected wildlife remains totaling over 100 pieces
Investigators discovered an illegal online trafficking network dealing in protected wildlife parts, particularly tiger skins, pangolin scales, and other animal remains. Further investigation revealed that Ms. Kulkalya, who operated a souvenir and traditional medicine shop as a front, had been smuggling wildlife remains from Laos and selling them within Thailand.
Investigators found that the suspect posted items for sale online and also sold to tourists visiting the That Phanom Stupa. Officers obtained arrest and search warrants from the appropriate courts before conducting the raid. The suspect confessed to purchasing all the wildlife remains from Laos for resale in Thailand. She has been transferred to wildlife investigation officers for further legal proceedings.
