BANGKOK — Thai Customs officials have intercepted a Vietnamese passenger at Suvarnabhumi Airport carrying rhino horns valued at 6.9 million baht (£153,000), marking a significant victory in the fight against international wildlife trafficking. The arrest, made on September 6, underscores Thailand’s intensified efforts to combat illegal trade under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

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The suspect, who arrived via a flight from Luanda, Angola, with a transit stop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was bound for Vientiane, Laos. Authorities identified him as high-risk through advanced passenger data analysis and conducted a targeted luggage inspection, revealing five rhino horn pieces weighing 6.86 kilograms.

Customs Chief Teerachai Atthanavanich has prioritized cracking down on illicit wildlife trade, leading to increased interagency collaboration. The seizure aligns with Thailand’s broader strategy to protect endangered species and prevent disease spread linked to wildlife smuggling.

Vietnamese man arrested for possessing rhino horn, traveling from Africa to Laoshttps://t.co/fWXtfFHHAz

— 👣Tum Wangdang (@Tumyoutube59696) September 8, 2025

Panthong Loikuln, Customs spokesperson, emphasized the department’s commitment to enhancing data sharing and risk analysis with global partners to disrupt trafficking networks. The suspect faces serious charges under the Thai Customs Act (2017) and Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act (2019), which carry severe penalties for violations.

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This bust highlights the persistence of demand driving poaching and smuggling operations worldwide. Thai authorities reaffirmed their dedication to ecological preservation and international cooperation in curbing illegal trade.

-Thailand News (TN)