Thailand returns four smuggled orangutans to Indonesia to mark 75 years of ties

SAMUT PRAKAN, Dec 24 (TNA) - Thailand repatriated four smuggled orangutans to Indonesia on Tuesday, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and a joint commitment to combatting the illegal wildlife trade.

Indonesian Ambassador Rachmat Budiman attended the ceremony at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The handover included two male and one female Sumatran orangutans, and one female Tapanuli orangutan. The primates, previously cared for at a Thai rescue center, were flown to Jakarta via Garuda Indonesia.

"This repatriation reflects our shared resolve under the CITES framework to end transnational trafficking," said Sadudee Panphakdee of Thailand's Department of National Parks.

The move marks the seventh such transfer since 2006, bringing the total number of returned orangutans to 78. Both species are protected under CITES Appendix I, which bans commercial trade. Veterinarians paired the young primates in crates to minimize stress during the journey. -819 (TNA)