Economy
Red-Whiskered Bulbul Removed from Protected Wildlife List in Thailand
As of September 1, 2026, the red-whiskered bulbul is no longer classified as protected wildlife, allowing for legal breeding and trade.
According to a report by Thai Post, the red-whiskered bulbul has been officially removed from Thailand’s list of protected wildlife species. Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart signed the order, which was subsequently published in the Royal Gazette and took effect on September 1, 2026.
This regulatory change permits the legal breeding and commercial trade of the birds. For residents and visitors, this shift marks a significant change in the legal status of a species often kept as a songbird in the region. While the bird is no longer under the strict protections previously afforded to it, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has stated that it will continue to implement measures to monitor and control the population of these birds in their natural habitats.
It remains to be confirmed how the government will regulate the transition from protected status to commercial trade, specifically regarding the oversight of breeding facilities and the prevention of illegal poaching from the wild. Those interested in the bird trade or local wildlife conservation should monitor further announcements from the Department of National Parks for specific guidelines on compliance and the management of these birds moving forward.