Thai PM urges public to be on alert against illegal ivory trade

BANGKOK, March 2 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has urged the public to join hands with the government in becoming on alert against illegal ivory trade. Prime Minister General Prayut said since illegal ivory trade has been a long and painstaking problem with no effective solution so far, his government is urgently pushing for the enactment and revision of laws related to illegal ivory trade over the next six months. According to the prime minister, elephant population have increased due to better conservation of forests, but elephant cruelty for their ivory has still existed and the Thai government has tried the best to suppress the illegal and brutal act. Calling for the public to join hands with the government in becoming on alert and immediately notifying authorities if they encounter such act, the prime minister suggested although the laws are enacted, the most important thing is people's conscience, without which attempts against illegal ivory trade will be in vain. The Thai premier also called for jewelry traders to substitute ivory with other raw materials in their jewelry production. Recently, the Thai Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment launched a campaign, aimed at creating public understanding on laws and regulations related to ivory possession and trade and encouraging foreigners to neither purchase nor export any ivory product, while also showing Thailand’s firm stance against illegal ivory trade. Based on the new regulations, ivory traders must notify the authorities of their list of ivory possession and seek an official permission for their ivory trade within April 21, 2015, or they will be fined. (TNA)