 Reference Base  A survey of rhino products for retail sale in Bangkok in ... |
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Martin, E.B., 1992. A survey of rhino products for retail sale in Bangkok in early 1992. Pachyderm 15: 53-56, figs. 1-3, tables 1-3
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| Location: |
Asia - South East Asia - Thailand |
| Subject: |
Distribution - Records |
| Species: |
Asian Rhino Species |
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For rhino conservation and the protection of rare species, the new Wildlife Act of 1992 is the most promising piece of legislation to be passed in Thailand for many years. Article 54 of this Act stipulates a maximum prison term of seven years and/or a fine of up to 100,000 baht (about $3,910) for hunting endangered species such as rhinos in a specifically protected area. Concerning the trade, illegal possession and import or export of rare species and their parts, Article 47 states that a person who is found guilty of such an offence will he imprisoned for up to four years or shall be fined a maximum of 40,000 baht or both. Article 55 imposes the same penalties on accomplices who illegally obtain a protected species or its parts such as Asian rhino horn or skin.
The Act also makes it compulsory for people who possess undocumented rhino commodities to register their stocks with the appropriate government authority within ninety days from the day the Act became effective (28 February 1992). The owner can continue to keep the registered rhino products, but is not allowed to sell them. If the rhino products were legally possessed some time in the past and were recently registered with the Forest Department, a temporary trading permit may be issued to allow the trader to dispose of his commodities within three years. The trader, however, must send a monthly sales report to the Forest Department.
To make this Act effective for rhino conservation, the two African species and the greater onehorned rhino will have to be included in the endangered wildlife list. When the 1992 Act was originally promulgated, only the Sumatran and Javan species were included. However, all CITES Appendix 1 species will soon be covered by the Act (Boonlerd, pers. comm.). Regular inspections must be carried out to check that the pharmacies are not selling prohibited rhino products. This new Act is a major piece of legislation, but for it to be effective, it has to be enforced. Hopefully, the Forest Department, Customs and other government bodies will now give a higher priority to wildlife conservation and allocate the resources needed to enforce the new Wildlife Act. Otherwise, yet more public criticism of Thailand will have to be instigated.
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