Chiang mai: A thrilling chase unfolded as four poachers were apprehended for hunting serow, a protected species, in the Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary. The poachers used a long-tail boat to hunt animals and attempted to destroy evidence by throwing the serow carcass into the Ping River. All individuals confessed to their illegal activities within the sanctuary.

According to Thai News Agency, a special operations team from the Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary in Chiang Mai Province, along with officers from the Mae Ping National Park in Li District, Lamphun Province, pursued the poachers. A video captured the chase, showing the four men attempting to escape by boat. The officers noticed the carcass of a serow near the boat's bow, prompting the poachers to discard it into the river as they realized escape was futile.

The incident took place late at night on April 5, 2026. After capturing the poachers, they were taken to the Mae Ping National Park office for questioning. The men admitted to entering the area to hunt serow and confessed to discarding the carcass, a shotgun, and other belongings into the water to eliminate evidence. Officials are currently searching for the serow carcass and collecting samples of wildlife found on the boat for further identification. The poachers have been handed over to the investigating officers at Ko Police Station in Li District, Lamphun Province, where legal proceedings will follow.