Officials from the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary, supported by Karon Police, local administrative officers and Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee, moved in on the suspect on Apr 27 following complaints about illegal wildlife being used for photos with tourists.
During the operation, officers found the man in possession of a slow loris – a protected species under Thai law – along with a shoulder bag containing two knives and a metal rod fashioned from a shark fin.
Authorities reported that the suspect resisted arrest and attempted to attack officers at the scene before being subdued.
The man, not named by police, was taken into custody and informed of his rights. He now faces charges of illegal possession of a protected animal under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act.
Under the law, offenders face penalties of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to B500,000, or both.
The rescued slow loris has been transferred to the Phang Nga Provincial Wildlife Breeding Center, where it will undergo rehabilitation before being considered for release back into the wild.
Officials reiterated that the use of protected wildlife for tourism, including street photography, remains a serious offence in Thailand. They added that enforcement efforts will continue, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas such as Karon, to curb illegal wildlife exploitation and protect natural resources.