Kaeng Krachan: Officials raided the Huap Pa Kluai forest area in Ban Mae Khamai, Kaeng Krachan, after receiving a tip about a gaur hunt. Two hunters were arrested and a large amount of evidence was found, including rare wildlife carcasses, weapons of war, and a large amount of ammunition.

According to Thai News Agency, Kaeng Krachan National Park officials, along with local administration, police, and military, conducted the raid after receiving information about illegal hunting activities. The operation led to the arrest of Mr. Monthian, aged 47, and the confiscation of multiple wildlife carcasses, firearms, and ammunition. The evidence included the carcasses of a jungle fowl, a wild squirrel, and a civet, as well as the skulls of a wild boar and a barking deer. Authorities also seized two .22 caliber firearms with silencers, over 100 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, methamphetamine pills, and various hunting snares.

The investigation further led to the arrest of Mr. Suphot, aged 44. Authorities seized an M16 A1 firearm, a rifle, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Additionally, approximately 1 kilogram of bison carcasses and various hunting snares were found in his possession. Mr. Suphot was taken to a relative’s house nearby, where officials discovered a 5-barrel shotgun and additional ammunition.

Both individuals are facing charges for hunting protected wildlife, bringing hunting equipment into the national park, and possessing firearms without permission. They are also charged with violating park regulations and disobeying orders from the park chief. The suspects are currently held at the Kaeng Krachan Police Station as the investigation expands to identify and arrest possible accomplices, including a lawyer and officials from the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority.