BANGKOK, Thailand — "A senior Thai environmental official was transferred to an inactive post Tuesday pending an investigation of his role in the export of 100 tigers to China two years ago.
Plodprasop Suraswadi, permanent secretary of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, had in his previous job as forestry department chief allowed a private zoo in eastern Thailand to export the tigers to China in 2002. That decision may have been in violation of an international treaty prohibiting trade in endangered species. The forestry department used to be in charge of wildlife matters until the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry was established in late 2002.
On Tuesday, the Cabinet approved Plodprasop's transfer to the post of adviser in the Prime Minister's Office until an investigation is completed. Plodprasop could not be reached for comment Tuesday but has in the past denied wrongdoing.
A government panel released an initial report three weeks ago recommending that Plodprasop be transferred out of the ministry, saying he permitted the tigers' export without sufficient proof that the animals were not being sent for commercial purposes."
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http://www.enn.com/news/2004-07-21/s_26059.asp
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