Sattahip —
A Thai man from Sattahip faces legal charges after being arrested for allegedly selling endangered sea animals.
Mr. Wutthipong Wongin, the Director of the Thai Marine and Coastal Resources Conservation Division, along with relevant environmental officials, coordinated with Sattahip police to apprehend the suspect, only identified as Mr. Raem, 42, on January 11th, 2024.
Thai Marine Authorities had previously received intelligence suggesting that Mr. Raem was reportedly selling protected wildlife in the Samae San area. An undercover agent contacted him through the LINE mobile application to arrange a sting purchase after confirming that he was advertising the sales of various sea creatures, including giant clams, sea anemones, and gorgonian corals, on social media.
The undercover transaction was arranged near the entrance to Mr. Raem’s village in Sattahip. Police officers monitored the area and apprehended Mr. Raem upon receiving signals from the undercover agent that the transaction was legitimate.
Authorities seized from Mr. Raem three giant clams, four sea anemones, and 23 pieces of staghorn corals.
Charges have been filed against Mr. Raem for allegedly hunting endangered wildlife and possessing protected animals, in violation of the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act of 2019. A legal investigation is ongoing as of press time.
