Baaa-d news for smugglers: 90 goats herded to safety by Thai cops
Thai border police seized over 90 goats that were smuggled from Myanmar into Thailand after the smugglers abandoned them and fled. It is believed these goats were meant for delivery to investors before being sold to Malaysia.
Natthaphon Ploythuam, commander of the Border Patrol Police 146, received intelligence about illegal livestock smuggling into the kingdom.
Natthaphon immediately dispatched Settachok Phacharatanaphisan, head of the special operations unit, along with the Jon Ang Suek task force, to patrol the natural passageway at Phu Mak Channel in Huai Sai, Mueang district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. This location is a mere 500 metres from the Thai-Myanmar border.
During their operation, the officers heard noises resembling goat bleats. Upon investigation, they discovered a female goat in a white fertiliser sack, injured and bound with rope. Nearby, they found numerous footprints and animal droppings, leading them to track the trail until they encountered ten male goats descending from a hill, all in injured conditions.
As the search expanded, authorities uncovered an additional 79 goats concealed within a coconut plantation, bringing the total to 90. Locals in the vicinity were questioned, but none claimed ownership of the animals, and the area is not known for goat farming.
This led officials to surmise that the goats were smuggled from Myanmar, likely intended for delivery to financiers within Thailand. However, upon hearing the police, the smugglers hastily retreated across the border.
The goats were found to be emaciated and exhausted, with weights below standard. It is speculated that the middlemen who purchase these goats plan to fatten them for two months before exporting them to Malaysia. The police have now confiscated all the goats to proceed with legal action.
Prachuap Khiri Khan’s border areas are strategic points frequently exploited for illegal activities, including cross-border smuggling, due to multiple natural passageways that allow evasion of official inspections. As a result, there has been a need for heightened vigilance, with increased patrols and inspections by authorities to prevent and curb illegal activities consistently.
Police are determined to crack down on such illegal operations. The geography of this area makes it a hotspot for smuggling, and we are committed to increasing our efforts to stop these activities, reported KhaoSod.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why is Thailand a hotspot for cross-border smuggling activities?
Thailand’s border areas possess natural passageways that facilitate evasion of inspections, making them strategic points for smuggling.
How do smugglers exploit natural terrains for illegal activities?
Smugglers use natural terrains for covert passage, avoiding official checkpoints and allowing illicit trades to flourish.
What if international cooperation intensified to combat cross-border smuggling?
Enhanced international cooperation could lead to more effective control, reducing smuggling activities and promoting regional security.
What motivates smugglers to choose livestock like goats for illegal trade?
Livestock, such as goats, offer economic incentives due to their demand, ease of transport, and ability to be fattened for profit.
How do police plan to address the challenges of smuggling in border regions?
Police aim to increase patrols and inspections, utilising intelligence and coordination to deter and intercept smuggling operations.
