There are some restrictions on the collection and trade of insects in Thailand that you should know about.
It is illegal to collect any wildlife in either National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries or Non-hunting Areas without written permission from the Director-General of the Royal Forest Department. As insects were included under the legal definition of wildlife in 1992 (The Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act (1992)) insects cannot be collected in any of these areas. Those found collecting, or with insects originating, from these areas will be prosecuted.
Thirteen insect taxa are listed (below) as protected in Thailand (Ministerial Regulation No. 4, 1995, under the Wild Animal Preservation and Protection Act 1992, Article 6). These include species of butterflies, moths and beetles. These protected species, whether alive or dead, or parts thereof, are illegal to collect or have in your possession anywhere in Thailand.
|
Scientific name*† |
Common Name |
Type |
|
Cheirotonus parryi |
Beetle |
|
|
Cladagnathus giraffa |
Beetle |
|
|
Mouhotia batesi |
Beetle |
|
|
Mormolyce phyllodes |
Violin Beetle |
Beetle |
|
Actias spp. |
Luna Moths |
Moth |
|
Lyssa zampa |
The Giant Uranid Moth |
Moth |
|
Bhutanitis spp. |
Swallowtails |
Butterfly |
|
Meandrusa gyas |
The Brown Gorgon |
Butterfly |
|
Papilio palinurus |
The Banded Peacock |
Butterfly |
|
Papilio protenor |
The Spangle |
Butterfly |
|
Stichophthalma spp. |
The Junglequeens |
Butterfly |
|
Teinopalpus spp. |
Kaiserhinds |
Butterfly |
|
Troides spp. |
Birdwing Butterflies |
Butterfly |
* spp. indicates all species within the genus are covered;
†
this list is currently (July 2000) being reviewed and may change in the futureThailand is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora which controls the export and import of endangered animal and plant species listed in the Appendices to the Convention. Prior to export of any insect (dead, alive or part thereof) listed in the CITES appendices (see table below) you must obtain permission from the CITES office (see below).
|
Scientific name* |
Common Name |
|
Bhutanitis spp. |
Swallowtails |
|
Ornithoptera spp. |
Birdwing Butterflies |
|
Papilio chikae |
Luzon Peacock Swallowtail |
|
Papilio homerus |
Homerus Swallowtail |
|
Papilio hospiton |
Corsican Swallowtail |
|
Parnassius apollo |
Apollo, Mountain Apollo, Apollo Butterfly |
|
Teinopalpus spp. |
Kaiserhinds |
|
Trogonoptera spp. |
Birdwing Butterflies |
|
Troides spp. |
Birdwing Butterflies |
* spp. indicates all species within the genus are covered
Please note that the CITES regulations cover not only species found in Thailand but also those that may be imported from other countries.
In addition to the laws of Thailand other countries also have their own laws relating to the importation of insects. In some cases it is necessary to have documentation from Thailand certifying that the insects have been obtained in accordance with Thai laws before the insects will be permitted entry into the country. Please ensure that you are aware of the import requirements of the country into which you plan to import any insect and if you require certification please contact the CITES office (below) who can provide this certification.
Photographs
The pictures included in this brochure are some examples of insects that can be found illegally traded in Thailand please do not buy or sell these or any other protected insects.
The cover photograph is a Troides aeacus 
, wingspan 10.5-12.0CM
The symbols and 
used in this brochure represent male and female sexes respectively.
Further information
If you need more information please contact a provincial forestry office or contact the Forest Protection Office at the address below:
Forest Protection Office
Royal Forest Department
61 Phahonyothin Rd
Chatujak, Bangkok 10 900
Ph: (02) 561 4292-3 ext.324
Fx: (02) 579 5266
Email: wildlife_protection@forest.go.th or entomology@forest.go.th
To contact the CITES office about import/export permits:
CITES Office
Royal Forest Department
61 Phahonyothin Rd
Chatujak, Bangkok 10 900
Ph: (02) 561 4292-3 ext. 709
Fx: (02) 561 4838
Email: cites@forest.go.th
More information about the Thai protected species found in the Thai language "Protected Insects" poster produced by the Department of Agriculture and available from there.
______________________________________
"The Royal Forest Department" does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information contained within this material. "The Royal Forest Department" shall not be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including without limitation, lost revenues or lost profits, which may result from the use of this material.
