(26 Aug 2015)
Thai authorities destroyed more than 2 tonnes (tons) of seized and smuggled ivory on Wednesday, the latest move by the government to avoid possible economic sanctions over its perceived failure to tackle the illicit trade.
The haul came from the stockpiles of the Customs Department and the Department of National Parks.
The combined tusks represented at least 200 dead African elephants.
There were also bags of items made of ivory, such as bangles, trinkets and statues.
The haul was audited by officials with help from conservation groups.
It was crushed in a machine and will then be burnt later on Wednesday.
The head of the Department of National Parks said Thailand wanted to send a clear message about its intention to crackdown on the trade.
To emphasise the point the Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha presided over the event, putting the first tusk in the crushing machine.
Thailand's record on ivory is poor.
The United Nations body that tries to tackle the illegal trade in ivory – known as CITES – lists Thailand as the world's second biggest end-user market, behind China.
The problem has been a Thai law that allows ivory from its own domesticated elephants to be worked into ornaments and sold.
That's created a loophole through which ivory from African animals can be laundered.
In 2013 CITES put it on notice to sort out the situation or face economic sanctions.
Since then Thailand's upped its game, passing new laws and making major seizures at ports and airports.
But the pressure's still on and Wednesday's event comes less than a week before it has to submit an update of its progress.
Wildlife groups have broadly welcomed the event while noting that there is still much to do, including continuous law enforcement and the tackling of the gangs behind the trade.
More than 14 tonnes (tons) of ivory still remains in Thai stockpiles.
It is being kept because it is still part of court cases against smugglers.
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AP TELEVISION - AP CLIENTS ONLY
Bangkok - 26 August 2015
1. High angle of ivory tusks laid out ready for destruction
2. Close of ivory
3. Workers carrying tusks up ladder to crushing machine
4. Workers passing up tusks
5. Workers putting tusks into crusher
6. Wide of scene
7. Crushing machine conveyor belt
8. Crushed ivory pouring out the end and into tubs
9. Low angle of tusks being moved
10. SOUNDBITE (Thai) Nipol Chotiban, Head of Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation:
"This event shows the international community that Thailand intends to tackle the illegal ivory trade."
11. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha poses with tusk then hands it down to worker for crushing
12. Prayuth coming back down steps
13. Workers close the doors of the machine
14. Prayuth presses button to begin the machine
15. Workers catching the crushed ivory in tubs
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