Man Arrested in Karon After Slow Loris Seized in Phuket Wildlife Case
Man Arrested in Karon After Slow Loris Seized in Phuket Wildlife Case — confirmed details at this stage for Phuket readers.
A man was arrested in Karon on Monday, April 27, after authorities seized a protected slow loris during an evening operation in Phuket, police said. Officers found the nocturnal primate inside the suspect’s shoulder bag after complaints that wildlife was being used for commercial gain.
The operation was led by officers from the Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area with Karon Police and local administrative officials. Police said the man also had two knives and a shark-tooth iron weapon when he was detained.
Charges filed under Thailand wildlife law
Officials said the suspect resisted arrest and tried to assault officers before he was subdued. He is being charged under Thailand’s Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act (2019), which bans unauthorized possession of protected species.
A conviction carries penalties of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to 500,000 baht, or both. Authorities said the case forms part of a wider enforcement effort against illegal wildlife exploitation.
The confiscated slow loris was sent to the Phang Nga Wildlife Breeding Center for rehabilitation. Officials said it will be released back into its natural habitat after recovery.
Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/04/28/slow-loris-seized-in-phuket-crackdown-on-illegal-wildlife-trade/
