Six Indian nationals have been arrested for attempting to smuggle dozens of animals out of Thailand.
Summary
Thai customs officials arrested six Indian nationals at Bangkok airport for trying to smuggle 87 animals, including an endangered red panda, snakes, parrots, and monitor lizards. The animals were hidden in their checked luggage and they were all headed to Mumbai. This incident highlights Thailand's role as a wildlife smuggling hub, with animals often destined for China and Vietnam, but increasingly India as well.
Six Indian nationals have been arrested at Bangkok's international airport for attempting to smuggle a red panda and dozens of other animals out of the country, Thai custom officials say.
Snakes, parrots and monitor lizards were among 87 animals seized at Suvarnabhumi Airport, officials said.
They were allegedly discovered in the suspects' checked luggage as they tried to fly to Mumbai.
The Thai customs department released photos showing the red panda - an endangered species - inside a basket, and a parrot shut in a plastic container.
Thailand is a major transit hub for wildlife smugglers.
The animals are usually sold in China and Vietnam, but India has become a growing market.
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