DUBAI // A UAE national is still wanted in Thailand on suspicion of animal smuggling.
The man fled the country on May 23, 2011, 10 days after he was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.
He was one of six people booked on a first-class flight from the Thai capital to Dubai. Among their baggage authorities found two suitcases containing drugged rare animals – four baby leopards, a sun bear, a monkey and a gibbon.
The animals are listed as protected species in Thailand and also require special permits under Cites.
The arrested Emirati, then aged 36, was released on bail and his passport was returned. He failed to report to the police officer in charge, and left Bangkok on a flight to the UAE.
The case was transferred to Thailand’s nature crimes police and a warrant was issued for his arrest. The case attracted considerable public attention in Thailand.
Maj Gen Kiattipong Khawsamang of the Thai police said the case and the arrest warrant remained active, and the man would be detained if he tried to enter Thailand again.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi said it was aware of the case but had no further comment.
vtodorova@thenational.ae
