Thailand’s Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry is teaming up with the police to tackle illegal meat wholesalers following a deadly incident during a raid. The ministry is working to improve procedures and safeguard human life during future crackdowns. #Thailand #agriculture #police #meat #raids #cooperation #livestock #protection
A Collaborative Approach to Tackle Illegal Meat Wholesalers
The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry of Thailand announced that it will join forces with the police to intensify efforts against illegal meat wholesalers. This decision comes in the wake of a tragic incident where a Phetchabun Provincial Livestock Office inspector was fatally shot, and another injured, by a pork warehouse owner during a raid. The ministry aims to tighten procedures to avoid further loss of life in future crackdowns.
Minister Expresses Condolences and Urges Punishment for Suspects
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow expressed deep concern over the murder of the livestock official, extending condolences to the family of the deceased and emphasizing the need for the perpetrator to face justice. The ministry’s director-general will arrange compensation for the victim’s family, starting with an initial sum of 100,000 baht. Assistance will also be provided to the injured official.
Ongoing Inspections and Increased Cooperation
Despite the alarming incident, Minister Prompow assured that the inspection of meat warehouses across Thailand will continue unhindered. He has directed all provincial livestock offices to collaborate closely with local police during inspections. According to some reports, officials along the Thai border, particularly in Mae Sot district of Tak, have faced threats from illegal meat wholesalers.
Retaliation for Crackdown on Smuggled Frozen Meat
The shooting of the livestock officials may be a retaliation for the ministry’s ongoing initiatives against smuggled frozen meat. In a recent operation, about four tonnes of illegal pork confiscated from 161 shipping containers were destroyed in Chon Buri on September 29th.
The Raid in Phetchabun’s Lom Sak District
On the day of the tragic incident, nine officials from the Phetchabun Provincial Livestock Office raided a frozen meat warehouse in tambon Chang Talut, located in Phetchabun’s Lom Sak district. They discovered approximately 800–1,000 kilogrammes of illicit pork. The owner, identified as Anusorn, could not produce proof of livestock acquisition when asked by the officials. While they were in the process of issuing a 20,000 baht fine for possessing illegal meat, Anusorn allegedly opened fire, leading to the death of one official and the injury of another.
Suspect Charged with Multiple Offenses
Phetchabun police chief, Pol Maj Gen Thadech Klomkliang, stated that Anusorn confessed to shooting the two livestock officials. As a result, he has been charged with murdering an official, attempted murder, and illegal gun possession.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is Thailand’s Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry responding to the recent tragic incident involving illegal meat wholesalers?
The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry is collaborating with the police to intensify efforts against illegal meat wholesalers and ensure the safety of officials during future raids. They aim to tighten procedures to avoid further loss of life in crackdowns.
2. What measures will be taken to support the families of the victims and injured officials?
The ministry’s director-general will arrange compensation for the victim’s family, starting with an initial sum of 100,000 baht. Assistance will also be provided to the injured official.
3. How does the recent tragic incident relate to the crackdown on smuggled frozen meat?
The shooting of the livestock officials may be a retaliation for the ministry’s ongoing initiatives against smuggled frozen meat. In a recent operation, about four tonnes of illegal pork confiscated from 161 shipping containers were destroyed in Chon Buri on September 29th.
