A Thai government official and 11 other individuals were arrested in Sai Yok Park in Kanchanaburi after being found with severed bearcat paws, a rifle, and other hunting gear.
The dozen is suspected of poaching animals in the park.
One day after the arrest, authorities found an animal carcass along with bullet shells and a machete at a nearby temple.
The suspects told police that they had went to the temple to make merit.
The accused Thai government official, Watcharachai Sameerak is a senior district official in Kanchanaburi.
This is the latest episode of powerful Thais alleged poaching protected animals. Bearcats are a protected species in Thailand under the 1992 Wildlife Protection Act.
Earlier this year, a Thai business magnate caused outrage among Thais after allegedly killing a rare black panther.
According to leading Thailand attorney Jiraporn Thongphong, poaching is a common occurrence throughout the country’s national parks and although authorities have stepped up their attempts at combatting the practice, it’s often a nearly impossible task due to the remoteness and heavy forestation of the areas.
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