Thailand Tightens Legislation on Ivory Trade

Bangkok (Thailand) – April 30, 2016 (travelindex.com) – Thailand is stepping up efforts to bring an end to an illegal trade on ivory and ivory products by strengthening the nation’s legislations to be in line with the Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

As part of the nationwide efforts, Thailand has been implementing a National Ivory Action Plan to stop illegal ivory trade. The plan have included the National Ivory Act of 2015 that has been amended to recognise African elephants as protected species and to regulate any ivory trade in or passing through Thailand.

Under the amended National Ivory Act of 2015, any domesticated elephant ivory and ivory products sold or in transit in Thailand has to be accompanied by identification certificates and proof that the bearer is in legal possession or has evidence from an approved dealer. However, it remains illegal to export any domesticated elephant ivory or ivory products.

Thailand prohibits any unregistered import or export of ivory and ivory products. Bringing ivory and ivory products into, or out of the country, is illegal and offenders can face up to three years in confinement and up to six million Baht in fine, or both.

To create greater awareness on Thailand’s efforts to stop illegal ivory trade, the country’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has released a series of videos aimed at warning travelers of the regulations and penalties in place of anyone dealing with illegal ivory or ivory products.

For more information, please contact:
Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation
Hotline: 1362

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Thailand
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