Breeders and constitutional pathways to exports are seen by officials as lucrative sources of income and a legitimate pathway to exports are both under strict supervision.
PUBLISHED: 23 Apr 2025 at 20: 29
In a bid to improve the nation’s economy and stop the illegal trade in reptiles, Thailand’s government lifted a decades-old ban on exporting reptiles.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s proposal to revoke two 1990 and 1991 regulations that forbid the export of lived snakes and raw snake skins was approved by ministers this month.
The proposal’s authors claimed that the goal is to make domestic snakes legally available for trade in order to meet higher world need. By creating a legal trade route under strict control, this would help local producers make money and stop improper snake exports.
Thailand’s home snake trade is estimated to be worth at least 275 million baht annually, according to estimates. The trade market value, according to estimates, may meet this figure.
Related industries include snake feed production ( generating at least 180 million baht annually ), feed for snakes ‘ prey ( 51 million baht ), snake-raising equipment like terrariums ( 17 million baht ), and veterinary care for snakes ( producing at least 180 million baht annually ).
The Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act 2019 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ( Cites ) require that exporters of snakes obtain permits in accordance with these laws. According to authorities, these rules may help to make sure that the animals business doesn’t harm the ecosystem.
Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, along with Veera Kunchairuk, the department’s assistant director-general, and Sadudee Punpugdee, the division’s director of the Wild Fauna and Flora Protection Division, presented the proposal to the government.