Man Arrested in Phuket for Using Protected Slow Loris in Tourist Photo Scheme

Authorities in Phuket have arrested a man accused of illegally using a protected slow loris to offer paid photo opportunities to tourists in the Karon area.

The operation took place on April 27 after officials received complaints about wildlife being exploited for tourism. Officers from the Khao Phra Thaeo Non-Hunting Area, along with local police and officials, conducted an inspection and located the suspect.

During the raid, the man was found carrying a slow loris—locally known as “nang ai”—as well as a shoulder bag, a metal hook, and two knives. Authorities said he resisted arrest and attempted to attack officers before being restrained and taken into custody.

He has been charged with illegal possession of protected wildlife under Thailand’s Wildlife Conservation and Protection Acts of 2019 and 1992. The offence carries a maximum penalty of up to 500,000 baht in fines or imprisonment for up to five years.

Officials stressed that such violations are treated as serious crimes and that the arrest is part of ongoing efforts to enforce wildlife protection laws and prevent the exploitation of animals in tourism.

The rescued animal has been transferred to the Phang Nga Wildlife Breeding Centre for recovery before being released back into the wild.

According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, slow lorises are nocturnal primates native to South and Southeast Asia. They are known for their large eyes, slow movements, and unique ability to produce a toxin from glands near their elbows, making them the only venomous primates in the world.

In the wild, they live primarily in trees and rarely descend to the ground. Conservation groups warn that slow lorises are frequently targeted for illegal tourist photo schemes due to their small size and distinctive appearance.

A similar case was reported earlier, when another individual was suspected of charging tourists 200 to 300 baht for photos with a slow loris at a Phuket beach. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to locate those involved.