Legal Enforcement of the Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act B.E. 2535 in Response to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
Abstract:
The Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act B.E. 2535 is limited to provisions related to the import, export and transit of wildlife species listed in CITES, Articles 23 and 24. It is generally believed, that the Wild Animal reservation and Protection Act B.E. 2535, does not fully achieve the goal of implementing CITES in Thailand.This study revealed that the Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act, BE. 2535 is inadequate because it fails to provide for the control of specimens after import into the Kingdom, the issuance of import and export permits and certificates, as well as adequate penalties for violations.The author proposes that the law be amended to comply with the requirements of CITES. These proposes are, species of wildlife specified in CITESbut different from species specified in this law are specified as wild animal protection species in this law and allow for commercial captive breeding purposes; separate the Management Authorities and Scientific Authorities to be independent from each other; increase penalty for the violations concerning export, import and transit ot'wiid animal species specified in CITES; proposes the alternatives tbr supporting people to participate in wildlife conservation activities; in order to support the principles of international wildlife conservation.