Poaching suspects arrested and charged with illegal poaching in Sai Yok National Park on Sunday might be able to escape successful prosecution due to insufficient evidence, a source at the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation said.
Fifteen people, including a senior district official and three children, were arrested on Sunday and charged with poaching in Sai Yok National Park in Kanchanaburi after they were found with guns and several Asian bearcat paws, a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation spokesman Sompoj Maneerat voiced his concern Monday that "insufficient evidence" might lead to all culprits escaping the charges.Some of the suspects testified that they had bought the Asian bearcat paws from local villagers, and said that they were all not involved in illegal poaching, adding that it is quite challenging for the investigative team to determine whether the guns, bullets and knife found at the scene were used to kill the animals.
"If the evidence is insufficient, they might escape the main charge. But they may all still be found guilty of other charges, including illegal possession of wildlife carcasses, possession of firearms without licences and illegal entry to the park," he said.
Rangers began Monday to search for the area where the suspected hunting occurred.
They said they believe the hunting party tried to cover up their activity.
Kanchanaburi governor Jeerakiat Phumsawat said Monday Mr Watcharachai had been dismissed as Dan Makham Tia district chief, and two volunteers in the district had been suspended pending a probe.
