Nine People Arrested After 250 Kilograms of Illegal African Ivory Seized in Thailand

May 11, 2026, 11:26

Introduction

Thai authorities have arrested nine suspects and confiscated a large amount of smuggled African ivory found across seven different provinces.

Main Body

The operation began on May 7, after the Central Investigation Bureau and environmental officials spent several months gathering intelligence. The investigation focused on a Facebook business called “Khiaw Nga Khrueang Rang Chak Sat,” which sold animal-based charms. After investigators bought samples and confirmed they were African ivory, they carried out coordinated raids on eleven locations. Consequently, they seized 250 kilograms of ivory and processing equipment with a total estimated value of 9.9 million baht. Regarding the smuggling process, the ivory was shipped by sea from Africa to Vietnam. From there, Vietnamese nationals transported the material into Thailand via the Mekong River. Once inside the country, the raw ivory was turned into expensive items such as prayer beads, knife handles, and amulets for Thai and Vietnamese customers. The nine arrested Thai nationals managed the social media group, which had reportedly earned about 10 million baht in one year. From a legal perspective, possessing African ivory is forbidden in Thailand, following the 1990 CITES international ban. Furthermore, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature classifies both African and Asian elephants as endangered species. The suspects now face charges for the illegal trade of protected wildlife, which could lead to ten years in prison and a fine of one million baht. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation emphasized that the seized ivory will be destroyed after the legal process is complete.

Conclusion

The operation ended with the arrest of nine administrators and the largest ivory seizure in a decade, while police continue to search for Vietnamese accomplices.

Learning

⚡ The "Connection" Leap: Moving from Simple to Sophisticated

At the A2 level, you likely use and, but, and because to connect your ideas. To reach B2, you need Logical Connectors—words that tell the reader how two ideas relate (cause, result, or addition) without sounding like a child.

🔍 The Discovery

Look at these three words from the text. They are the 'bridge' to B2 fluency:

Consequently $\rightarrow$ (A2 equivalent: So)
Furthermore $\rightarrow$ (A2 equivalent: Also)
Regarding $\rightarrow$ (A2 equivalent: About)

🛠️ How to Use Them

1. The Result Marker: "Consequently" Instead of saying: "It rained, so I stayed home," try: "It rained; consequently, I stayed home." In the article, the police found ivory; consequently, they seized the equipment. It creates a professional, cause-and-effect link.

2. The Adding Marker: "Furthermore" Use this when you have already made one point and want to add a stronger, second point. Example: "The car is too expensive. Furthermore, it is too old for my needs."

3. The Topic Shifter: "Regarding" This is perfect for starting a new paragraph or changing the subject in a formal way. Example: "Regarding the payment, I will send the money tomorrow."

💡 Pro-Tip for Fluency

Stop using "And" at the start of every sentence. Try this swap:

$\text{And} \rightarrow$ In addition,
$\text{But} \rightarrow$ However,
$\text{So} \rightarrow$ Therefore,

Vocabulary Learning

confiscated (v.)

to take possession of something, especially property, by legal authority

Example:The police confiscated the stolen goods from the suspect's house.

smuggled (v.)

to illegally transport goods across borders

Example:The smugglers smuggled the ivory across the border.

intelligence (n.)

information gathered to aid investigations

Example:The investigation relied on gathered intelligence from undercover agents.

coordinated (adj.)

organized together to achieve a common goal

Example:The police carried out coordinated raids across multiple locations.

raids (n.)

sudden attacks by law enforcement to seize illegal items

Example:The raids uncovered a hidden stash of illegal artifacts.

processing (n.)

the act of converting raw material into finished products

Example:The processing of raw ivory turned it into decorative beads.

estimated (adj.)

roughly calculated or judged

Example:The value of the seized items was estimated at nine million baht.

shipping (n.)

the act of sending goods by sea or other transport

Example:The ivory was shipped by sea from Africa to Vietnam.

transported (v.)

to carry or move from one place to another

Example:Vietnamese nationals transported the material into Thailand.

raw (adj.)

in its natural, unprocessed state

Example:Raw ivory is often used to make luxury items.

endangered (adj.)

at risk of becoming extinct

Example:African elephants are classified as endangered species.

protected (adj.)

safeguarded from harm or loss

Example:The wildlife is protected under international law.

illegal (adj.)

not allowed by law

Example:The trade of protected wildlife is illegal.

seized (v.)

to take possession of something, often by authority

Example:Authorities seized 250 kilograms of ivory.

destroyed (v.)

to demolish or eliminate completely

Example:The seized ivory will be destroyed after the legal process.

accomplices (n.)

people who help commit wrongdoing

Example:Police are searching for Vietnamese accomplices involved in the smuggling ring.