Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Dispute flares over controversial Thai temple tigers
KANCHANABURI, Thailand - Thai wildlife officials began a headcount Friday of nearly 150 tigers kept by monks at a temple which has become the centre of a dispute over the welfare of the animals.
Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua in Thailand's western Kanchanaburi province - commonly known as "The Tiger Temple" - has long proved a hit among tourists who flock there to visit the monks and be photographed next to their huge feline pets.
But the authorities say the temple has been keeping the animals without the proper paperwork and have vowed to seize them, sparking standoffs in recent weeks between officials and angry monks blocking their way.
Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) said earlier this week it planned to take the animals away on Friday.
- See more at: http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/dispute-flares-over-controversial-thai-temple-tigers#sthash.CrGPHJDy.dpuf