A wildlife smuggler was arrested with 200 animals in Thailand.

Alleged animal trafficker Sarawut, 43, was nabbed while transporting the protected wildlife along Highway No. 41 in southern Chumphon province on December 22.

Police seized from him dozens of plastic crates with the weakened animals inside.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Pittaya Thanawut of the Highway Police said Thai authorities collaborated with the US Wildlife Department to make the arrest.

He said: 'We arrested the suspect and handed him over to the inquiry officer of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division for further legal action.

‘As for the animals, they are undergoing identification to determine their types and species. If they are found to be illegal, we will press additional charges against the suspect. We are gathering more information to pursue charges against the relevant individuals under related laws.'

Officers seized Sarawut's sedan, which was loaded with 200 animals. The fauna included one silvery gibbon, five Sulawesi bear cuscus, four Sulawesi hornbills, 20 Sailfin lizards, 31 green tree pythons, eight tree monitors, one king cobra, three pythons, five mixed-breed snakes, 20 ball pythons, three boa constrictors, one white-lipped python, 37 frill-necked lizards, 49 blue-tongued skinks, and one arboreal rat snake.

Authorities said Sarawut had sourced the animals from Aceh province in Indonesia. He then transported them through southern Satun province to be sold to buyers in Thailand and abroad.

Many of the wildlife were endangered or protected species, officials said.

Thailand is a major hub for wildlife smuggling due to its strategic location, well-connected transport routes, and high demand for exotic animals and animal products. Despite efforts to combat illegal trade, weak enforcement, corruption, and thriving black markets enable the trafficking of protected species through the country.