Capital

Bangkok

Official Language

Thai

Fun Fact

The only Southeast Asian country never colonized by Europeans

National Animal

Asian Elephant

National Bird

Siamese Fireback

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Animal Laws of Thailand

The Animal Laws of Thailand PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for Thailand. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of Thailand

Asian Elephant

Conservation Status: Endangered

The Asian Elephant is the largest land mammal in Asia, found in forests and grasslands across South and Southeast Asia. Recognized by its smaller ears and more rounded back than its African relatives, it lives in close-knit family groups led by a matriarch. Asian Elephants feed on grasses, leaves, bark, and fruit and play a vital role in shaping forest ecosystems by dispersing seeds and creating pathways. Habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict have made the species endangered.

Siamese Fireback

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Siamese Fireback is a colorful pheasant found in the forests and woodlands of mainland Southeast Asia. Males are recognized by their glossy gray plumage, bright red facial skin, crimson legs, and long, graceful tail feathers, while females are brown for camouflage. Siamese Firebacks feed on seeds, fruits, insects, and other small invertebrates as they forage on the forest floor. As the national bird of Thailand, they are an important symbol of the region's rich biodiversity.

Bengal Slow Loris

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The Bengal Slow Loris is a small, nocturnal primate found in the forests of South and Southeast Asia. It is recognized by its large eyes, rounded head, and slow, deliberate movements through the trees. Feeding on tree sap, nectar, fruit, insects, and small animals, it is one of the few venomous mammals, using a toxin produced near its elbows as a defense. Habitat loss and the illegal pet trade have made the Bengal Slow Loris endangered.

Sunda Pangolin

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

The Sunda Pangolin is a nocturnal, scale-covered mammal found in the forests and plantations of Southeast Asia. It is recognized by its overlapping keratin scales, long sticky tongue, and powerful claws used to dig into ant and termite nests. When threatened, it curls into a tight ball, relying on its scales for protection. Illegal wildlife trafficking and habitat loss have made the Sunda Pangolin critically endangered and one of the world's most heavily trafficked mammals.

Binturong

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The Binturong, also known as the Bearcat, is a tree-dwelling mammal found in the tropical forests of South and Southeast Asia. Recognized by its shaggy black fur, long prehensile tail, and distinctive scent often compared to buttered popcorn, it spends much of its life in the forest canopy. Feeding mainly on fruit, along with leaves, insects, birds, and small mammals, the Binturong plays an important role in dispersing seeds and maintaining healthy rainforest ecosystems. Habitat loss and hunting have made the species vulnerable.

Asian Tapir

Conservation Status: Endangered

The Asian Tapir, also known as the Malayan Tapir, is the largest tapir species, found in the tropical forests of Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Indonesia. It is recognized by its striking black-and-white coloration and short, flexible trunk, which it uses to gather leaves, fruits, and aquatic plants. Mostly active at night, the Asian Tapir is an excellent swimmer and often cools off in rivers and ponds. Habitat loss and road collisions have made this unique mammal endangered.