“Chalermchai” Oversees Return of 961 Lemurs to Madagascar to Combat Illegal Wildlife Trade

On November 27, 2024, at 10:00 AM, Dr. Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), presided over a ceremony to repatriate 961 seized endangered animals to Madagascar. The event, held at MNRE headquarters in Bangkok, featured the handover of official documents to Mr. Max Andonirina Fontaine, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Madagascar. The occasion was witnessed by MNRE officials, including Mr. Jatuporn Buruspat, MNRE Permanent Secretary, Mr. Athapol Charoenshunsa, Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, and Police General Yutthana Praedam, Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation, alongside media representatives. The event occurred at the Saksit Tridech Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Dr. Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), stated that Thailand, through the MNRE, places great importance on complying with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), particularly addressing the global issue of illegal wildlife trade. This problem severely impacts the survival of wildlife, pushing many species toward extinction. The MNRE is committed to collaborating with all sectors to combat illegal wildlife trade. In this instance, 961 tortoises will be returned to the Republic of Madagascar, including 759 spider tortoises, 155 radiated tortoises, 31 brown lemurs, and 16 ring-tailed lemurs. The repatriation will occur gradually on November 28, November 30, and December 2, 2024, via Qatar Airways. This marks the first time in Thailand that confiscated wildlife is being returned before legal proceedings are concluded. This achievement is the result of amendments to relevant regulations and laws, allowing the expedited repatriation of live wildlife. Dr. Chalermchai expressed hope that this operation will serve as a global example of effective collaboration, contributing to the achievement of wildlife conservation goals sustainably and efficiently.