Thai authorities seize wild animals worth 1 million baht

BANGKOK, November 14 (TNA) - Authorities in Thailand’s northeastern Nong Khai province have seized wild animals worth about 1 million baht destined to be smuggled to neighbouring countries for human consumption. Nong Khai deputy governor Wichian Piyawarakorn said in a press conference that local police and forestry officials on Monday stopped a pick-up truck and confiscated 60 turtles, five soft-shelled turtles, 300 monitor lizards, 300 cobras, 20 pythons and a pangolin worth altogether about 1 million baht. The animals were carried in plastic baskets and sacks. Wichian said the officials also arrested two suspected smugglers identified as Jakkrit Paetraksa and Bang-ern Phetmanee. They were taken to the Phon Phisai police station for prosecution. Wichian said authorities believe the wild animals would be shipped to either Vietnam or China where they would be prepared for local cuisines. (TNA)