The Vietnamese man traveled from Luanda, Angola, transiting through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, before arriving at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok on the evening of 6/9. His final destination was Vientiane, Laos.

Thai media reported on 7/9 that customs officials identified the man as a potential wildlife smuggler using advanced screening systems and intelligence data.

Confiscated rhino horns at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Khaosod

Confiscated rhino horns at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Khaosod

During the inspection, officials discovered 5 rhino horns weighing a total of 6.86 kg concealed in the suspect's luggage. The horns are estimated to be worth 6.9 million baht (approximately 200,000 USD).

The arrest comes amid increased efforts by Thai customs to combat illegal wildlife trafficking. Rhino horn remains a prized commodity in some Asian markets despite an international ban.

Criminal networks often exploit transit routes through Southeast Asia to move contraband from Africa to consumer markets.

Duc Trung (Khaosod, Thai Rath)