Indian man arrested at Thailand airport for smuggling rare monkeys worth Rs 2.9 lakh

Indian tourist held for smuggling monkeys (Image: DNP Thailand/Facebook)

Smuggling protected wildlife is a serious offence, and a recent case at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport has brought the issue into focus. An Indian man was reportedly detained after attempting to take two live monkeys out of Thailand.

As reported by Nation Thailand, customs officials discovered the animals hidden in his luggage as he prepared to board a flight to Mumbai. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation confirmed that the primates were Indochinese Lutungs, a protected species in Thailand. The seizure was carried out during a joint operation with the airport’s Wildlife Checkpoint. The report revealed, the primates are valued at around 100,000 baht (approximately Rs 2.9 lakh).

“Incident took place at 11:30 pm On February 3, the investigators arrested Mr. Karthick, 28 years old, Indian national, a passenger of Thai Airlines flight TG351 Bangkok route (BKK) heading to Mumbai (BOM), India,” the department stated.

“The inspection revealed two live Indochinese Lutungs hidden amongst personal items. The animals were immediately seized, and the suspect was taken into custody to face legal proceedings,” Santanee Phairattanakorn, director of the Passenger Inspection Customs Office at Suvarnabhumi Airport, told Nation Thailand.

The Indochinese Lutung, also known as Germain’s langur (Trachypithecus germaini), is a protected species under Thai law and international conservation agreements. Young monkeys have bright orange fur, which darkens to greyish or blackish tones as they grow. They are primarily found in Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam.

The species is classified as endangered, and its trade is strictly regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Taking such animals out of the country without permission is illegal and can result in heavy penalties.

The suspect now reportedly faces charges under the Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act (2019) and the Customs Act (2017). The first law prohibits the unauthorised export of protected wildlife, while the second makes it illegal to attempt to export goods from Thailand without completing customs formalities.

Authorities said the animals were safely rescued and handed over to wildlife specialists for medical evaluation and care.