Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Language: Thai
Voice: Natural
Duration: 00:07:18
Restrictions: A24 subscribers
Source: A24
Dateline: 07-03-2022
Storyline
Thailand has launched a national campaign to crack down on the smuggling and consumption of wild animals that would usually be smuggled into the country en route to neighboring countries after it has been found that the wild animals could cause the spread of an epidemic. Mr. Rattaphon Pitakthepsombat, who works for the UNDP, said that the animals could easily cause an infection, adding that viruses can be transmitted from animals to humans. He warned that this could cause severe consequences. A survey Dr. Petch Manopawitr, who works for the Asian Elephant and Tiger Conservation in Thailand, said a survey they had conducted found that Thai people, especially those who live in urban areas and those who are in the 18-30 age group like to try wild animal meat. He added that his organization launched the “Kind Dining” Campaign to promote sustainable consumption and inform people of the risks of causing an epidemic.
Shotlist
(Soundbite) Dr. Kanita Ouitavon, Director of Wildlife Forensic Laboratory Center, Bangkok, Thailand
“Our job is to test the DNA of wild animals. If we receive evidence [wild animals] and we can’t determine its species from an appearance or morphology, we will test its DNA to find out what species it is. Once we know the species, we will see if it is a protected or endangered species according to the Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act. If it is, the DNA test result will be used for investigation and prosecution.”
(Soundbite) Mr. Prasert Sornsathapornkul, Director of Division of Wild Fauna and Flora Protection, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Bangkok, Thailand
“We have to admit that wildlife trafficking is happening both domestically and internationally. We emphasize increasing efficiency in the prevention and suppression of wildlife trafficking, which is related to agencies such as the Customs Department and the Royal Thai Police, and we work together with them. In many cases, they may smuggle from our neighboring countries to Thailand or smuggle to a third country passing through Thailand. We have wildlife checkpoints all over the country. In the past, we found many smuggled wildlife, such as pangolin, birds, and various reptiles that were hidden and smuggled. In the case of using Thailand as a transit country, they smuggled from a country of origin to another country, such as China. It came through Thailand because of a smuggling route. As it was smuggled, they had to try to zigzag as much as possible to evade an arrest.”
(Soundbite) Mr. Rattaphon Pitakthepsombat, Project Manager – Illegal Wildlife Trade, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP):
“The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) states that to import or export or trade wildlife, it is required to have a scientific and health proof of animals, but illicit wildlife trade, however, doesn’t do it. So, when smugglers handle wild animals, there is a chance of disease infection. Then when these viruses enter the host directly, it’s known as a direct jump from animals to humans. It is severe and can because an epidemic, causing damage to human life. From the data, China and Vietnam are the markets for ivories. China, Vietnam and Laos are also a market that consumes wild animals. A market for ivories is also in Europe. They believe that it’s valuable but they didn’t check the source.”
(Soundbite) Dr. Petch Manopawitr, Technical Advisor, Asian Elephant and Tiger Conservation in Thailand
“The survey result was alarming. We found that Thai people, especially those who live in urban areas and those who are 18 to 30 years old, the young generation, like to try wild animal meat for the sake of having an experience, especially when they travel and celebrate. We launched a “Kind Dining” Campaign to promote sustainable consumption. The first step of sustainable consumption is to avoid consuming illegal wildlife meat. We have influencers who can deliver messages well to inform the public about the risk of consuming wild animals from illicit sources. No one would want to take the risk or cause an epidemic.”
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