No. Owning a raccoon in Thailand violates the Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019), which classifies raccoons as protected wildlife. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) enforces strict prohibitions, requiring permits for even temporary possession. Recent 2026 amendments have intensified penalties, including fines up to ฿1 million and imprisonment for unauthorized ownership.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in Thailand
- Prohibited Species: Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are listed under Annex III of the Act, banning private ownership without exception.
- Permit Requirements: The DNP may issue permits only for scientific, educational, or conservation purposes—never for pets.
- Penalties: Violations trigger Section 57 of the Act, with fines up to ฿1 million (≈$28,000) and/or 4 years imprisonment. Confiscation and euthanasia of the animal are mandatory.
Local enforcement prioritizes urban areas like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, where illegal pet trade crackdowns have surged. Exotic pet dealers often mislabel raccoons as “non-protected,” but the DNP’s 2025 digital tracking system cross-references species databases to flag discrepancies. Importing raccoons without prior approval from the DNP and the Customs Department is also illegal under the Animal Epidemic Act B.E. 2558 (2015).