A Comparative Study of Legal Wildlife Species and Legal Awareness among Local Forest Product Traders in the Thai–Lao Border Markets: A Case Study of Chiang Rai, Phayao, and Nan Provinces

Abstract

This article aims to assess the legal awareness of government officials, import-export operators, and the general public regarding compliance with international wildlife laws. It also seeks to compare the wildlife species listed under Thai and Lao PDR wildlife laws as well as the CITES agreement. Furthermore, the study proposes policy recommendations for wildlife law enforcement in the Thai–Lao border areas—specifically Chiang Rai, Phayao, and Nan provinces—in the context of border trade. Using empirical legal research methods, the study found that: (1) Legal violations often result from confusion over the differing lists of wildlife and plant species, making it difficult to identify which species are illegal under Thai, Lao, and international law (CITES); (2) The growth of tourism and border economies has stimulated increased trade in local wildlife and plant products; and (3) Confusion surrounding goods traded at “relaxed border trade zones” has led many members of the public to mistakenly believe such products are legally permitted.

The research suggests that the government should prepare officials at all levels at various border trade points to accurately identify illegal wildlife and plant products based on species classification. In addition, pictorial signs of protected species should be clearly displayed. Relevant international agencies from both Thailand and Lao PDR should jointly review and update the wildlife species lists at the regional level every three to five years. Moreover, the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019) should be incorporated as an annex to the Act on Administrative Penalties B.E. 2565 (2022).