Clashes were frequent but did not make headlines if no one was killed. The poachers are local people after food, professionals making an illicit living and amateurs hunting for pleasure. Fees range up to tens of thousands of baht. The usual access route was via Bo Thong in Chon Buri, he said. The end of wet season was the preferred time, because the animals come out of the forest looking for food.
Illegal loggers looking for fragrant krisna trees also feed on any wildlife they can catch.
The professional poachers supply meat to restaurants which offer rare dishes. Nong Khok market in tambon Krongtrakao, Chachoengsao, is a major trading centre of wild animals. A gaur bull will earn the poacher more than 10,000 baht, with the price of meat ranging from 120 to 150 baht per kilogramme.