47 macaques found in Isaan crammed in plastic cages for Chinese medicine

Thai police have rescued 47 macaques that were being smuggled out of the country for probable use in traditional Chinese medicine. The macaques were found crammed into plastic cages on the back of a pickup truck in Isaan, suffering from overcrowding and neglect.

The disturbing scene was uncovered by the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division and national park officials, who acted on an ongoing investigation into wildlife smuggling. The macaques were in small net bags and one was sick, reported Bangkok Post.

The two men responsible for transporting the macaques, 37 year old Kitsana Srimoros and 43 year old Kritsda Muensri, were arrested and charged with illegal possession and trading of protected wildlife.

The men claimed they were unaware that the macaques were protected and that they were breaking the law. Kitsana claimed that he was paid 17,000 baht to…