81 terrified macaques were found stuffed into net bags in the back of a car near Thailand’s border with Cambodia — caught in a cross-border wildlife trafficking operation.

Alongside the monkeys, Thai rangers also found methamphetamine pills and crystal meth, raising even deeper concerns about the organized criminal networks behind this cruelty.

Two men have been arrested. But the global community must speak out to demand that this isn’t handled quietly or leniently.

Thailand is a known hub for international wildlife trafficking. In recent years, smugglers have been caught moving lemurs, orangutans, tortoises, possums, and even sunbirds — all traded illegally to meet black market demand in China, Taiwan, and beyond. The problem isn’t new — but the suffering of these animals is ongoing.

We are calling on the Thai government, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and the Ministry of Justice to:

• Pursue the maximum sentence under wildlife and narcotics laws against those involved
• Launch a national investigation into cross-border wildlife trafficking rings
• Close legal loopholes that allow wildlife laundering under cover of legal trade
• Increase penalties for trafficking of live animals and endangered species
• Partner with international agencies to monitor and disrupt global supply chains.

The 81 macaques seized this month represent a fraction of the animals brutalized for profit. Many don’t survive long enough to be rescued. Those who do often carry trauma for life.

Justice means more than just arresting two traffickers — it means dismantling the system that makes this cruelty profitable.

Add your name if you believe Thailand must act now — for these 81 monkeys and the thousands of other wild animals still being smuggled and sold.