The government Wednesday destroyed nearly 2.2 tonners of confiscated elephant ivory in a ceremony presided over by the prime minister
In a ceremony presided over by prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha,2,155 kilograms of raw tusks and carved trinkets were fed into an industrial rock crusher before being incinerated. It marked the first time the kingdom has taken step to destroy part its stockpile.
The contraband was estimated to be worth about US$2.8 million, officials said
"Elephants are our national symbol and are under threat from poaching and trade, "Gen Prayut said. "This is to show the Thai government's strong determination to oppose ivory trafficking and that Thailand will comply with international rules."
He called for the country to "clean up its act" on the illegal wildlife trade, and promised heavy punishment for those who violate the law.