10-12-2023 (BANGKOK) In a bizarre incident at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, a 22-year-old Taiwanese man was apprehended for attempting to smuggle two otters out of Thailand. The incident, which took place on Tuesday, December 5, caught the attention of customs officers when they noticed a suspicious bulge in the man’s pants during the X-ray screening process.
The man was a passenger on Thai Airlines flight TG632 bound for Taipei. As he passed through the X-ray machine, the unusual bulge raised concerns among the officials. Sensing something amiss, they decided to subject him to a more thorough inspection.
To their astonishment, when the man was asked to pull down his pants, the bulge became even more conspicuous. Upon closer examination, it was discovered that the man had stuffed furry creatures inside socks, which were then concealed in his boxers. A video captured the moment when the man removed the socks, revealing three small animals still wriggling within.
According to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) in Thailand, the man was allegedly attempting to smuggle two small-clawed otters and one prairie dog. As these animals are protected species, the man now faces charges under Thailand’s Customs Act, Animal Epidemics Act, and Animal Conservation and Protection Act.
The incident was reported to wildlife control officials and customs officers at 9:05 PM, prompting immediate action. The poor animals, which had endured the ordeal, were taken into the care of the Wildlife Conservation Office.
The illegal smuggling of otters and other wildlife has become a growing concern in Southeast Asia. Otters, known for their adorable appearance, have gained popularity worldwide, leading to increased demand in countries where they are not native. However, such demand has fueled the illegal trade and exploitation of these animals, posing a threat to their populations and ecosystems.
