Wild Wild East: Thailand's Love For Exotic Animals

Australia is one of those places known for creeping you out with its variety of reptiles slithering casually in your backyard as if they've rent the apartment. And who isn't familiar with all the shocking clips from the Middle East of purring big cats chilling around in cars with their owners.

But what if i told you that Thailand is also a place of strange habitat where exotic pets aren't wildlife encounters, but part of the pet culture. Some purr, some hiss, others might pickpocket your lunch! The 'Land of Smiles' gives you many reasons to smile: the delicious Thai cuisine, picturesque scenery and stunning architecture and wildlife.But there's more than what meets the eye.

Recently, an iguana invasion, lemurs in customs, and an entire hospital opening just for parrots and snakes has brought attention to the rise in Thailand's love around exotic pets.

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Moreover, in 2022, the Thai government legalised owning exotic animals such as lions, tigers, jaguars, gorillas, and even snakes like anacondas!

However, these pet owners of exotic wildlife need to be registered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered species of Wild Fauna and Flora. They also need to comply with Wildlife Protection Act.

As much as it is a thing of delight for many in Thailand, for many in the popular tourist country, its a cause of concern over their safety and trafficking. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF)'s report in 2021, around 12 percent of people in Thailand own exotic pets.

Having said that, Thailand doesn't just boast itself as a playground for private python owners. With over hundred wildlife reserves and national parks, some of which are proudly stamped as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the country doubles as a living, breathing nature documentary.

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So for those who love wildlife and want to explore the magic of Nature, should definitely have a visit to Thailand's national parks on their list. Whether you love spotting Elephants in the wild, are obsessed with photographing big cats, or love the world of small animals and insects, Thailand's got a wild side for every kind of tourist.

Exotic Animals Found Only in Thailand

Asian Elephant

Largest terrestrial mammals in Asia, Asian Elephants love the grasslands as well as the wetlands of Thailand. They're revered in Thai culture, are often spotted during royal ceremonies, and hold a religious significance.

Kitti's Hog-Nosed Bat

Speaking of small mammals, Kitti's hog-nosed bat, is the smallest mammal in the world found in Thai caves and forests. They are popular for their echolocation to detect their preys, have robust body but a flat nose.

Hairy-Nosed Otter

The hairy-nosed otter is a rare and extremely endangered species that is characterised by dense, soft fur. Otters thrive in cold waters of streams and rivers. However, unlike other otters have a distinctive appearance, with long whiskers and a broad snout, are skilled hunters and love their meals with fish, crustaceans and amphibians.

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Sambar

A large herbivorous deer that is native to Southeast Asia, Sambar's magnificence is charactersised by its thick fur, long sleek legs and large antlers. Sambar is mostly spotted in dense forest and is a solitary animal that forages on grass, shrubs, and fruits.

Gaur

The gaur or Indian bison is a large wild ox distinguished by its muscular build, dark brown coat, and large, curved horns. Bisons are herbivores and primarily found in hilly, mountainous regions but are also present in lowland forests.

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Beatang

Beatang also known as Sunda Pangolin is a rare and critically endangered mammal that is distinguished by its long, scaly body and feeds of ants and termites.

Asian Black Bear

Known for its thick black fur and white chest markings, Asian Black Bear is a nocturnal species found in Thailand and is also known as the moon bear. This species spends time mostly in trees and loves berries, insects and small mammals.

Clouded Leopard

Rare and elusive wild cat in the rainforests of Southeast Asia, clouded leopards use their dark, cloud-like patterns to camouflage in the dense habitat.