Bundle of slow lorises seized in Phuket

PHUKET: A man was arrested on Tuesday in possession of a bundle of slow lorises and two iguanas after police were tipped off about him using them for photo opportunities with tourists on Naka Island.

Phuket local Kiettisak Senkaew, 45, was arrested at his home in Pa Khlok at about 5:30pm in possession of six slow lorises and two iguanas.

Following his arrest, Mr Kiettisak confessed to police that he used the animals as props for tourists’ photographs, charging between 200 and 300 baht per person, said Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Peerayuth Karajedee.

“Mr Kiettisak was charged for the illegal possession of a protected species, inflicting harm on an animal and causing a public nuisance,” said Col Peerayuth. “We are seeing more animal touts returning to work in Phuket. We will keep arresting them.”

Col Peerayuth explained that he was concerned about how the illegal trade affected Phuket’s image.

“It is creating a bad image for Phuket and, above all, these animals are not supposed to be treated like this,” he said.

The slow lorises and iguanas were taken to a wildlife sanctuary in Phang Nga, confirmed Col Peerayuth.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong