Woman arrested for smuggling protected tiger skins and wildlife remains from Laos to Thailand
A suspected wildlife trafficker was arrested for allegedly smuggling protected tiger skins and wildlife remains into Thailand.
Kulkanya reportedly sold animal carcasses online while running a souvenir store in Nakhon Phanom as a front for the illegal wildlife trade.
Police raided the store on May 27 following complaints of protected animal parts being advertised and peddled through online channels.
During the raid, officers seized a gruesome haul of 100 animal remains, including tiger pelts, clouded leopard pelts, Asiatic golden cat pelts, reticulated python skins, pangolin scales, deer antlers, serow remains and bear remains.
Footage shows bundles of animal skins, feathers and preserved carcasses stored in plastic baskets inside the shop as investigators catalogued the haul.
Police said Kulkanya was wanted on alleged violations of the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act.
If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to one million baht for illegally trading protected wildlife carcasses, as well as up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 500,000 baht for illegal possession of protected wildlife carcasses.
Authorities said Kulkanya sourced the wildlife remains from neighbouring Laos before reselling them to tourists vising the That Phanom district in Thailand.
She was handed over to the inquiry officer for further legal proceedings.
Thailand is a major transit hub for animal trafficking. With its porous borders with Myanmar and Cambodia, the country is a key route for smuggled wildlife across Southeast Asia.
