Thailand is strengthening its efforts to protect elephants and combat illegal wildlife trafficking. Thai authorities have seized approximately 400 pieces of African elephant ivory at Laem Chabang Port and are conducting DNA testing to determine their origins. The operation highlights Thailand's commitment to wildlife conservation and enforcement of international regulations on wildlife trade.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has dispatched a team of wildlife forensic experts to examine the seized ivory and collect DNA samples. The results will help establish the origin of the ivory and support further investigations into the international trafficking network.

The shipment originated in Zambia and arrived at Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi Province. The ivory was concealed inside timber in two shipping containers that had been declared as carrying processed wood. The seizure resulted from coordinated intelligence analysis and inspections conducted by the Thai authorities in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Thailand is home to diverse ecosystems and has a rich variety of wildlife, including elephants, which are an important part of the country's natural heritage. The Thai Government continues to promote wildlife conservation through law enforcement, international cooperation and measures to protect endangered species.

Thailand's strategic location and extensive transportation infrastructure also provide opportunities to strengthen international cooperation in combating wildlife trafficking. Thai authorities are working with international organizations and relevant agencies to enhance the monitoring of shipments, improve enforcement capabilities and prevent illegal trade in protected wildlife.

Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand, emphasized the importance of coordinated action among the DNP, Customs Department and UNODC.  He instructed the DNP to conduct DNA testing, and work with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to identify those involved in the trafficking network and determine the destination countries.