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Hundreds of rare reptiles seized in Thailand
September 04 2006 at 03:20PM


Bangkok - Customs officials in Thailand on Monday said they had seized 200 reptiles including rare star tortoises that were smuggled into the country to be sold at Bangkok's famous Chatuchak weekend market.

A Madagascan man was charged with wildlife smuggling after customs officials on Friday discovered 15 star tortoises and 185 chameleons in his luggage at Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport.

"The man smuggled those reptiles for his clients to sell at the Chatuchak weekend market," Kricha Gerdsripan, a senior customs official, said.

Chatuchak market has a reputation for selling exotic pets and endangered animals, and has frequently been raided by wildlife groups and customs officials.

All trade in star tortoises is banned under an international convention on the trade in endangered animals. Chameleons can be traded but only with official documentation.

According to a spokeswoman from wildlife charity WildAid, a star tortoise can fetch between 1 000 to 10 000 baht (about R187 to R1 870) depending on size and country of origin.

Under Thailands wildlife laws, the smuggler could face up to four years in prison or a fine of about 40 000 baht. - Sapa-AFP