Thailand is set to repatriate four orangutans back to Indonesia by the end of 2023, as a part of events celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

According to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the orangutans were confiscated during two separate incidents related to illegal wildlife trade this year.

Three of the orangutans were seized on January 21 in Chumphon province, while the fourth was apprehended in a sting operation in Bangkok in May, although one of these animals died while under care by the department.

The surviving orangutans are currently being housed at the Khao Prathap Chang Wildlife Rescue Centre located in Ratchaburi province.

Sadudee Panpakdee, the director of the CITES division within the department, reported that discussions between Thai and Indonesian security authorities have recently taken place, focusing on joint efforts to combat transboundary wildlife crime as well as to facilitate the return of trafficked animals to their natural habitats.

Panpakdee stated, 'We reaffirmed our commitment to the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) agreement to conserve and protect wildlife.

Sending the orangutans home this year symbolizes our strong bilateral cooperation.' Since 2006, Thailand has engaged in a total of six repatriation operations, returning 74 orangutans to Indonesia.

Notably, the largest single repatriation occurred in November 2006 when 48 orangutans were sent back.