Thailand orders DNA testing on 400 seized African ivory tusks

Thai authorities have ordered DNA testing on approximately 400 African elephant ivory tusks seized at Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri province. The shipment, which originated from Zambia, was discovered concealed within containers falsely declared as processed timber.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin announced that the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation will collaborate with the Customs Department and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to expand the investigation. Forensic experts and scientists are scheduled to collect tissue samples to determine the precise geographic origin of the ivory.

The genetic evidence will be used to coordinate with INTERPOL to identify the perpetrators and the intended destination of the shipment. Officials stated the operation aligns with Thailand’s obligations under the CITES convention to prevent the country from being used as a transit point for illegal wildlife trafficking. If links to organized crime networks are uncovered, the case may be referred to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).