Legal Challenges in the Protection of Wildlife and Natural Habitats under Thai Law in Accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

Abstract

            This study mainly focuses on the Thai law that is concerned with protecting the wildlife, the reserved wildlife species, and wildlife habitat with the requirements of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It also examines issues, challenges, and suitability of law enforcement measures that are presently enforced. In this study, a documentary analysis of legal sources, international law and domestic legislation, legal commentaries, and availability of relevant research studies will be used in getting qualitative research data.

            The results reveal that even though various legislations were enacted with a specific objective to protect wildlife and their habitats in Thailand, and later amendments to the laws to align with the CITES, there are still a number of gaps in laws and institutions. More specifically, the timeline of revising the list of reserved wildlife species tends to be lengthy, and the enforcers still encounter practical issues. These restrictions affect the efficiency of wildlife conservation programs. Based on this, this paper suggests ways to enhance the legal and regulatory environment in Thailand to make it more transparent, flexible, and more consistent with the conservation principles developed under the CITES. Specifically, it highlights the necessity of the creation of more reactive methods of wildlife species designation, reinforcing the law enforcement, and ensuring that the involvement of the private sector and local communities in the conservation of wildlife and its habitat becomes a matter of participation. This would make the protection of wildlife in Thailand more effective, and the legal measures would be more reactive to the modern social, economic, and environmental situation in the country.