Thailand: Orangutans, chimpanzees and hundreds of tigers found in raid

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http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/28Nov2003_news08.html

Hundreds of tigers held suspect in raid

 

Several hundred tigers which could not be properly accounted for have been

found at Si Racha Tiger Farm, which was raided by forestry police yesterday.

 

Pol Maj-Gen Sawaek Pinsinchai, the forestry police chief, said the origins

of the tigers, protected animals, were not clear. Police also found two

orang-utans and two chimpanzees. Indonesia had banned the export of

orang-utans, so it was suspected the animals were smuggled into Thailand.

 

An investigation would also be made into the legality of the export of 100

tigers from the Si Racha farm to China four or five years ago, Pol Maj-Gen

Sawaek said.

 

The origins of crocodiles at the farm would also be checked.

 

Si Racha Tiger Farm is owned by businessman Maitree Premsiripong.