Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand 2011-2012, Edwin Wiek

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From WFFT FB: About 3 years ago, a very well-known Buddhist monk wrote about the "impressive" WFFT and staff. PICS.

http://bit.ly/AmjAqM (Google translated)

Thai speakers: Scroll over text for option to contribute to a better translation.

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No search results for this Center. Website is TAN Network/thailandoutlook.tv. Someone said this is Thailand's in-pocket media site.

Unregistered Animals To Be Confiscated From Wildlife Friends Foundation

"The seized animals will be transferred to the Pra Tup Chang Mountain Wildlife Breeding Center and other foundations."

http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/tan/ViewData...?DataID=1053014

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Animals caught in the middle, Opinion

I am writing about the article in Friday's Bangkok Post on the raid on the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) in Phetchaburi's Tha Yang district. This is such a tragic situation and I feel great pity toward the animals. They know nothing about the conflict between the WFFT and the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, but they are the ones who suffer. Both sides should negotiate.

Whenever I see images of animals that have been harmed as a result of this conflict that should never have happened, I feel sorry because of the negative image it creates of Thailand. But mostly I feel sorry for the animals. -- Pawinee Klinsung, Assumption University student

http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion...t-in-the-middle

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PICS

DNP Continue their Shambolic Confiscations

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1...ent_id=20248751

"This will go down in history as the most prolonged unwarranted public attack on a humane animal rescue sanctuary in the world. It also exposed to the public the vicious and ego centric Department of National Parks, and points directly at their involvement in corruption publicly." -- Sybelle Foxcroft, Conservationist/Author

http://sybellefoxcroft.wordpress.com/2012/...bacle-feb-2012/

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This post updated Mar 7.

From WFFT FB, 1 hr ago:

WAYS IN WHICH YOU CAN HELP: Continue signing and sharing the petition. New target is 70,000 signatures.

Fundraising - we will need help raising funds to: fight the current legal case; to pay for legal defence; for the safe return of all of our animals; and counter-charge the officials and Director General of DNP for abuse and slander about WFFT and our Wildlife Rescue Centre.

Any Thai supporters who can read and write in both English and Thai - we would hugely appreciate your help in translating many documents to show Thailand who we are, what our history is and what we do. There will be many stories that will need publishing over the coming weeks and months.

For those who cannot help directly, please just continue signing and sharing the petition, spreading the word to friends and family and continue to get in touch with local and international media and press*. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Petition: http://bit.ly/x4Wzcd
Donations: http://bit.ly/zbWZOp
WFFT Resource Center: http://bit.ly/A30GqB
*Write: http://bit.ly/zLurWW
How to Help (link to this post): http://bit.ly/wqrZ14
Post opposition on FB/Twitter: http://bit.ly/yjV3Sw
Contact: info@wfft.org
Peaceful protest:
Mar 2, London: http://on.fb.me/AAOwqP - http://bit.ly/ypywnW
Mar 9, Vancouver: http://bit.ly/x2PGOF

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Check out WFFT's dynamite updated look on their website. Info carousel. Super!

http://www.wfft.org/

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Pro-WFFT article on Yahoo!

Thai Government Raids Wildlife Rescue Foundation

http://voices.yahoo.com/thai-government-ra...n-11007090.html

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Australia is picking up the story NOW. Very hot. Lots of mentions of the elephant exploitation culture in Thailand.

Thai animal haven raided after poaching claim

Mr Wiek says baby elephants are sold to middlemen who torture and tame them before selling them to tourism operators for more than $7000.

He says tourists who visit Thai elephant camps are ''effectively supporting the killing and torture of wild-born elephants''.

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conserva...0226-1twcp.html
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/world/thai...0226-1twel.html
http://www.begadistrictnews.com.au/news/wo...ps/2468021.aspx
http://www.batemansbaypost.com.au/news/wor...ps/2468021.aspx
http://www.warrenadvocate.com.au/news/worl...ps/2468021.aspx
http://www.theage.com.au/environment/conse...0226-1twcp.html
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/environmen...0226-1twcp.html
http://www.donnybrookmail.com.au/news/worl...ps/2468021.aspx

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Please write for the safe return of WFFT confiscated animals and against elephant tourism.

List of addresses: http://bit.ly/zLurWW

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Tweet from Edwin 10 hrs ago
Today quiet at WFFT, waiting for return of some animals. Reports about raid elsewhere tmr strongly suggest DNP is still at war with NGOs.

See ENP possible Lek arrest:
http://z13.invisionfree.com/Elephant_Comme...ndpost&p=776427

From WFFT FB 5 hrs ago:

Update from today. Confiscated animals returned, 2x common palm civets and 1x mask palm civet. These animals are not a protected species in Thailand therefore we did not need permits to rescue or keep them at WFFT. They were confiscated illegally. They were extremely stressed but are in good health and happily reacquainting themselves with there enclosures and friends. We still need to continue campaigning to bring the other 100 animals back!!! Again thank you for the unbelievable support.

Story has appeared in one Japanese news aggregator site. Japan needs to send letters.

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From WFFT FB

Jo Ireson Come on everyone. Email scoop@huffingtonpost.com En-masse we can make them listen. If you've got time to post here, you've got time to email them - even if it's just one line it will show them there is massive interest.

FYI, petition has surpassed 50k sig's
http://tiny.cc/thairaid

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Action Alert from WFFT FB:

Lynne Riley Keep posting comments on www.facebook.com/amazingthailand they are removing posts but have only managed to stop access to comments on posts but you can still comment - keep going and they may have to shut the site down!

Sabine Rette yess keep posting! it seems to work... they can't follow up erasing all the posts! grreat!! go there and protest thailands behaviour towards the WFFT and human/animals rights!
http://www.facebook.com/AmazingThailand

Paul Edwards Twitter -
http://twitter.com/#!/go2Thailand
http://twitter.com/#!/ThailandFanClub

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The Born Free Foundation and Care for the Wild International are urging the Thai Government to investigate the recent raids on wildlife rescue centres including the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) sanctuary....

Born Free believes it is imperative that genuine wildlife rescue centres are able to carry out their important work legally and without harassment.” Adds Chris Draper, Senior Scientific Researcher, from the Born Free Foundation.

http://www.bornfree.org.uk/index.php?id=34...Hash=2f98662239

The Born Free Foundation is asking our supporters to continue to write to the Thai Embassy, expressing their concern regarding the actions of the DNP, and calling on them in the strongest terms to ensure the welfare of any animals that have been removed. We have written to the Thai authorities directly, and are seeking a meeting between Virginia McKenna OBE and the Thai Ambassador to the UK to discuss this situation.

The global NGO community have taken up this issue. Once there is further news, we will pass it on. In the meantime please continue to write to the Thai Embassy and to offer support to WFFT.

http://www.bornfree.org.uk/news/news-artic...Btt_news%5D=966

Email addys of Thai Embassys worldwide:
thaican@mfa.go.th, contact@thaiembassy.ca, info@thaicongenvancouver.org, embassy@thaivienna.at, thaiembbrazil@gmail.com, thaigug@mfa.go.th, mail@thaiembassy.dk, general@thaiembassy.de, thaidel@mfa.go.th, romeemb@yahoo.com, thai@thainbi.or.ke, thaitip@mfa.go.th, thaiemb@thaiembnepal.org.np, thaivisa@online.no, thaidoh@qatar.net.qa, info@thaiembassy.co.za, thaiauh@emirates.net.ae, thaiembargen@fibertel.com.ar, thaiemb@brunet.bn, sthai01@thai-consulate.org.hk, thaicnn@mfa.go.th, thaijkm@mfa.go.th, infosect@thaiembassy.jp, thaiemkw@kems.net, thaiembassy.thehague@gmail.com, rteseoul@kornet.net, mission.thailand@ties.itu.int, info@thaiconsulatela.org, info@thaiconsulatevietnam.com, thaikmg@public.km.yn.cn, thaixcg@gmail.com, consulate@thaiembassy.fi, thaiath@otenet.gr, thaiccu@mfa.go.th, thaiccu@airtelmail.in, info@thaiembassy-tehran.org, thaikula@mfa.go.th, thaiemb@dslplus.net.pk, thaiemb@thaiemb.internetdsl.pl, thaibuh@speedmail.ro, thaidkr@sentoo.sn, thaicmb@sltnet.lk, csinfo@thaiembassyuk.org.uk, info@thaiconsulnewyork.com, thaisydney@thaiconsulatesydney.org, thaibxl@thaiembassy.be, consular@thaiembassy.ca, thaiemb@volny.cz, thaiemba@mail.datanet.hu, ambrd@mail.datanet.hu, thaimub@mfa.go.th, thaisr@netvision.net.il, thaikob@mfa.go.th, thai.lis@mail.telepac.pt, consular@thaiembassymoscow.com, consular@thaiembassy.sg, consular@thaiembassy.se, thaiank@ttmail.com, consular@thaiembdc.org, prforeign@thailand.prd.go.th

Short link to this page: http://bit.ly/wwk2Nh

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According to a number of people from Thailand with whom we’ve spoken, the best chance for WFFT to get their animals returned lies with the Thai Royal Family, especially Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn.

Care2 has already submitted a petition with more than 36,000 signatures to her attention but individual emails directed to her personal affairs adjunct, Miss Orawan Yamply, could also have a real impact. If you wish to write to the Princess, here’s what you need to do:

First, be polite. She is royalty and expects to be treated very respectfully. You should address your emails to orawanya@nozart.inet.co.th.

Please use the following address and salutation when writing to the Princess:

H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Personal Affairs Division
Chaipattana Building, Chitralada Villa, Rajvithee Road, Dusit District,
Bangkok 10303, THAILAND
Telephone (Mon-Fri 08.30-16.30 hrs.) : (+66) (0) 2 280 3581 – 9 Ext. 671, 677

Time is of the essence....

Mr. Wiek tried to call attention to poaching activities that are harming wildlife in Thailand, and someone did not like it. By taking action and making our voices heard, we might be able to save countless animals from torture and death at the hands of people motived by profit, and not animal welfare.

http://www.care2.com/causes/help-animals-c...l#ixzz1nprYpVWP

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Bangkok Post discussion forum on:

The illegal raids on Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailalnd

http://www.bangkokpost.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=&t=6618

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Tweet from Edwin 1 hr ago:

First official paperwork for return of more animals accepted by police investigator today. DNP refused to accept plea.

https://twitter.com/#!/EdwinWiek

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London Protest pics:

http://pic.twitter.com/DDG7vhKY
http://pic.twitter.com/899zEaKT


Peaceful protest, morning of Mar 2nd, London:
http://on.fb.me/AAOwqP

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Nice piece with PICS

Animal welfare activists petition Royal Thai embassy - London

http://www.demotix.com/news/1086640/animal...-embassy-london

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fscCQPVVQ3c

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Vancouver, Canada Peaceful Protest March 9th!

We will gather at the Art Gallery at 1:30 PM on March 9th where we will brief on what will happen. Then we will walk to the Royal Thai Consulate which is only about two block away with the goal of being there at 2 PM. The Royal Thai Consulate closes at 5PM, so we shouldn't be there any later than that.

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/eve/2881962116.html
http://allevents.in/Vancouver/Vancouver-Pr...382649508413478

How to Help: http://bit.ly/wqrZ14

[Space4Eles]

There have been calls from various quarters to involve the Thai Royal Family in the debate surrounding the current investigations by the DNP.

This article from 10 August 2010 is worth reading:

FIO plans care centres for sick elephants in South

Five such facilities, to be operated by the FIO-regulated Thai Elephant Conservation Centre (TECC), will be built in Krabi province where 120 elephants work in the logging and tourism industries, out of a total of around 800 animals based in the entire southern region ...

The FIO will soon obtain royal patronage from Her Majesty the Queen to support this elephant shelter project, permanent secretary Saksit Treedej said yesterday.

Her Majesty has sponsored care of an elephant named Somwang who had been injured by sunburn and overwork in Trang's Huai Yod district. It has been treated and released in May to its home area. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will also give a pair of mother-and-child elephants, presented to her by businesspeople, to the TECC.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/...h-30135549.html

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Phuket Opinion: There's an Elephant in the Room, Opinion

"[Wiek's] actions have already resulted in two unregistered baby elephants in Phuket being slated for reunion with their mothers, but his exposure of the issue would appear to have triggered an unexpected backlash. His sanctuary was raided two weeks later by some 70 park rangers, including some in balaclavas, who removed many animals, including primates....

The notion and imagery of “wild elephant smuggling” would be rich in humor if it weren’t for the multi-layered corruption of politicians, government officials and “influential figures” who make it possible – at a rate of up to 250 baby elephants a year, if we are to accept Mr Wiek’s estimates....

As it is almost inconceivable that elephants could somehow be smuggled onto the island through the Tah Chat Chai Police checkpoint, the only conclusion for many observers is that there would be officials who know, or would at least suspect, what is going on with the elephants working on Phuket. So why the apparent lack of enforcement of the regulations?"

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/538130...nt-in-the-room/

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Or wonder if this could help Edwin, too.

http://z13.invisionfree.com/Elephant_Comme...ndpost&p=791275

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WFFT video - Bring our animals home

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmEzi-zNWrc
http://www.wfft.org/wildlife-general/a-mes...fft-supporters/

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News story worth watching for non-Dutch speakers. Bits in English.

From WFFT FB:

A media succes in Holland. It was on television today. It is a daily show with the news/topic of the day.

VIDEO (elephant abuse included) - http://www.eenvandaag.nl/buitenland/39904/...se_autoriteiten

Also posted:

Sybelle Foxcroft Latest post by DG DNP stating that it is "ridiculous" to say that the animals have been kidnapped.....

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Tweet from Edwin:

Illegal wildlife trader in Sraburi can keep animals eventhough DNP says they are illegally obtained. No confiscation? Double standards!

https://twitter.com/#!/EdwinWiek

See: http://z13.invisionfree.com/Elephant_Comme...?showtopic=1449

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Accused of involvement in elephant poaching, Thai officials raid Wildlife Friends

“At this moment,” Wiek added, “it seems that a small group of local DNP officials are running these raids. The head office in Bangkok has denied knowing about them.”...

Wiek was previously charged with possession of wildlife without the proper permits in August 2004, after a similar series of raids followed his denunciations of illicit official involvement in the illegal trade in orangutans. Wiek was eventually fined $525 and given an eight-month suspended jail sentence for possessing 11 former pet macaques who had been given to the Thai Animal Guardians Association by their keepers, and were relocated to better housing at Wildlife Friends after the Thai forestry department declined to take them.

In 2010, Wiek was sued by the the Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yannasampanno Forest Monastery “tiger temple” for allegedly helping the British charity Care for the Wild to expose, CFW described, “evidence of tigers being regularly beaten, having urine sprayed into their faces, being forced to sit in direct sunshine for hours, and being kept in poor conditions with inadequate feeding,” plus “evidence of illegal trade and breeding of tigers at the temple.” The case against Wiek has not advanced....

http://www.animalpeoplenews.org/anp/2012/0...ldlife-friends/

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Tweet from Edwin:

DNP official that said on Thai TV that WFFT is involved in torture, buying and selling of wildlife charged for slander in provincial court.

https://twitter.com/#!/EdwinWiek

See also: "Private zoo raided for wildlife, Thailand"
http://z13.invisionfree.com/Elephant_Comme...=0&#entry805453

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Furore intensifies over elephant trade in Thailand

Other foreigners working in the wildlife sector believe Wiek was rash to speak publicly, saying a backlash against a 'noisy outsider' was inevitable. He has paid a heavy price - receiving death threats and seeing his Thai wife charged at the local police station after the initial raid last month.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Fu...d-30177691.html


Cross posted in Elephant Smuggling/Trafficking and ENP
http://z13.invisionfree.com/Elephant_Comme...ndpost&p=806928
http://z13.invisionfree.com/Elephant_Comme...ndpost&p=806965

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Video compilation of Vancouver rally for WFFT & ENP:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDYRwmPMs14&feature=youtu.be

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India picks up story.

Thailand’s jumbo secret

According to Dutch national Edwin Wiek, founder of the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand and conservationists who have spent a lifetime in the country, the baby elephant trade is a lucrative business which is the real reason behind the massacre. He says that the six deaths were just the tip of the iceberg and such hideous crimes were occurring almost every day in Thailand, not for the ivory or meat of the adult animals but to satisfy the growing demand of tourist elephant camps.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/233827...mbo-secret.html

Cross posted in Elephant Tourism, Thailand and Elephants Smuggling/Trafficking w/ different highlights.