BANGKOK — A Thai construction tycoon was convicted Tuesday on charges related to a high-profile poaching case last year but was found not guilty of possessing the carcass of an endangered black panther seen in photos that had sparked a public outcry. Only the three other men were found guilty of possessing the panther carcass. Only one defendant was found guilty of hunting in the wildlife sanctuary, and he and Premchai were fined a 2 million baht ($63,132) fine. Premchai was released on bail for a bond of 400,000 baht ($12,635) shortly after Tuesday’s ruling while he appeals the case. Before Thailand’s general election is held this coming Sunday, some political parties have even used images of the black panther in their campaigning to vow for an improved justice system.

Source: National Post March 19, 2019 06:11 UTC