PHUKET, THAILAND – A young man dragged a protected slow loris to Thailand’s beaches, charging tourists for photos, and pulled two knives and a shark-tooth knuckle duster when officials confronted him on the evening of April 27 in Karon.
The Sweet Business of Fear
Khao Phra Thaeo wildlife sanctuary on Phuket had received repeated tips about a man offering tourists a so-called “Nang Aye” – a slow loris with large, frightened eyes – for photos.
Wildlife activists, together with police from Karon station, administrative officers, and MP Chalermpong Saengdee from the People’s Party, moved in that evening. They found the man in the Karon subdistrict, with the animal crammed into a shoulder bag.
Knives Out, Knuckle Duster Drawn!
The officials identified themselves. The man exploded, pulling two knives from his bag and grabbing an iron knuckle duster shaped like a shark tooth.
He attempted to attack the officers, but they remained calm, secured the scene, and arrested the furious wildlife smuggler. No officers were injured.
A Life in the Bag
The traumatized slow loris survived the ordeal. Officers immediately took it to the wildlife rehabilitation center in Phang Nga province.
There, caretakers are nursing the protected animal back to health. Later, it is to be released back into the jungle – far away from selfie sticks and camera flashes.
Up to Five Years in Prison
The man possessed the wild animal without a permit, violating the 2019 Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act and the 1992 Reserve Act.
The maximum penalty is 500,000 baht or five years in prison. Authorities stressed that they show no leniency in wildlife crime cases.
Who Protects the Defenseless?
A tiny slow loris dragged through suitcases and bags for a few baht – those who see it feel anger and pity. The man had no scruples, even pulling knives on officers trying to save the animal.
Would you report a man offering a frightened wild animal to tourists? Tell us: Would you have intervened?