On Dec. 21, 2023, 09:00 a.m., Pol. Gen. Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, along with Mr. Rachmat Budiman, His Excellency Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Thailand, Capt. Rachata Pisithabannakorn, Mr. Koment Teethananon, Advisor to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr. Jatuporn Buruspat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and related agencies returned three orangutans to Indonesia at Suvarnabhumi Airport after the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation confiscated them from a wildlife smuggling network.

          The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment stated that the National Parks Department has cared for and physically examined these three orangutans, namely Brian, male, currently 5 years old, Nobita, male, and Shisuka, female, currently 7 years old, at the Wildlife Rescue Center No. 3 (Prathap Chang), Ratchaburi Province. On the occasion of the 73rd anniversary of Thailand-Indonesia relations, it is thought that returning the orangutans to their country of origin will boost bilateral relations. Furthermore, it encourages international engagement in natural resource conservation by demonstrating Thailand's dedication in battling international wildlife trading, with all expenses supplied by the Republic of Indonesia.

          On top of that, between 2013 and 2017, Thailand transported 14 orangutans to the Republic of Indonesia as victims of the illegal wildlife trade, and has returned orangutans to their homelands a total of 5 times since 2006, for a total of 71 orangutans. This points out both countries' commitment to combating illegal wildlife trading and carrying out international commitments under the CITES Convention, as well as continuous bilateral environmental cooperation. Furthermore, promoting wildlife conservation and combating wildlife crime are collaborative efforts that include effective law enforcement and collaborative conservation of wildlife resources to ensure international sustainability.