BANGKOK, Thailand – The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has arrested a foreign national for illegally possessing two long-tailed macaque monkeys and two pig-tailed macaques, which are protected species under Thai wildlife laws. The man, identified as Mr. Jami Zinedine from Algeria, was found in possession of the animals after posting pictures on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Authorities received tips from the public and, after securing a search warrant, conducted a raid in the Pravet district of Bangkok, where they found the animals in the suspect’s residence. The man claimed he received the monkeys from an unnamed source, without any official documents or permission.
Mr. Zinedine faces charges under Thailand’s Wildlife Protection Act, which could result in a prison sentence of up to 5 years, a fine of up to 500,000 baht, or both. The animals have been seized and will be cared for according to conservation regulations. The Department of National Parks continues to crack down on illegal wildlife trade and unlawful possession, particularly involving online sales. (TNA)
