Thailand must address illegal ivory market: TRAFFIC

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2009

BANGKOK (AFP) — Thailand is harbouring Asia's largest illegal elephant ivory market and shows few signs of addressing the problem, according to a wildlife trade monitoring group.

The report from TRAFFIC said Thai authorities need to reassess measures for controlling local ivory markets, which fall short of international standards.

TRAFFIC said Bangkok had emerged as the main hub for illegal ivory activities, accounting for more than 70 percent of the retail outlets in Thailand offering ivory items for sale.

"Legal loopholes and insufficient law enforcement mean that Thailand continues to harbour the largest illegal ivory market in Asia" the report said.

The report documented more than 26,000 worked ivory products for sale in Thai markets and found many more...