Thai police have stopped an attempt to smuggle a black panther cub in Tak province, arresting two Myanmar nationals allegedly hired to deliver it to the scam hub of Shwe Kokko in the neighbouring country. Investigators had received intelligence indicating the illegal transport of the rare wildlife from Cambodia through Thailand to Myanmar, Pol Maj Gen Anek Taosuparp, commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, said on Thursday. The suspects claimed they had been paid 25,000 baht to drive the animal across the border and were unaware that it was a black panther, Pol Maj Gen Anek said. Based on ecological valuation, officials said a single black panther has an estimated ecosystem value of up to 4 million baht due to its role as an apex predator that maintains forest balance. Police have also seized a car with Myanmar number plates and initially charged the suspects under the Wildlife Protection Act, Pol Maj Gen Anek said.

Source: Bangkok Post April 09, 2026 13:32 UTC