ITD president arrested for hunting in wildlife sanctuary

KANCHANABURI, Feb 6 (TNA) – President of the Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited, the leading construction and engineering firm were arrested for allegedly poaching in a wildlife sanctuary in Kanchanaburi province. Park rangers arrested Premchai Karnasuta, ITD President, Managing Director and Director, while camping in a prohibited area in the west side of the Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary on Feb 4. Carcasses of protected species were found including a Kalij pheasant, a barking deer and a black panther along with guns and ammunitions. Director-General of the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Thanya Netithammakun confirmed that the arrest of Italian-Thai president is based on evidence. Police investigators are working on the case and will give justice to all sides. A legal action will be taken against the culprits equally without discrimination. He said park rangers found wildlife carcasses and weapons but did not witness the shooting. More suspects are also involved in the case. The group asked for permission to enter a forest area but they accessed to prohibited sites where camping is banned. However, tourists are not forbidden from carrying weapons when trekking and camping in the forest. (TNA)