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Taiwanese Trio Arrested for Smuggling 52 Endangered Animals

10/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Authorities arrested three Taiwanese nationals at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok on October 17, 2023, for attempting to smuggle 52 endangered animals concealed under their clothing.
The suspects, Hsu Ching Chung, Hong Zhi-Xian, and Yang Tsung-Ju, were found with various rare species, including tortoises and crocodile lizards, all sedated and wrapped in nylon stockings.
This arrest followed a previous incident on October 7, 2023, where another Taiwanese man was caught smuggling different endangered animals.
The suspects confessed to being part of a transnational smuggling ring and claimed they were paid 30,000 baht per trip.
They face multiple charges under wildlife protection laws.

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Story summary

Authorities arrested three Taiwanese nationals at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok on October 17, 2023, for attempting to smuggle 52 endangered animals concealed under their clothing.
The suspects, Hsu Ching Chung, Hong Zhi-Xian, and Yang Tsung-Ju, were found with various rare species, including tortoises and crocodile lizards, all sedated and wrapped in nylon stockings.
This arrest followed a previous incident on October 7, 2023, where another Taiwanese man was caught smuggling different endangered animals.
The suspects confessed to being part of a transnational smuggling ring and claimed they were paid 30,000 baht per trip.
They face multiple charges under wildlife protection laws.