No, owning a hedgehog in Thailand is prohibited under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019), which classifies all native and non-native hedgehog species as protected wildlife. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) enforces this ban, with no exceptions for private ownership. Violations may result in fines up to 400,000 THB or imprisonment for up to four years.
Key Regulations for Owning a Hedgehog in Thailand
- Protected Species Status: Hedgehogs are listed under Annex III of the Act, requiring permits for any interaction, including possession. The DNP explicitly excludes hedgehogs from captive breeding exemptions.
- Import/Export Restrictions: The Wildlife Quarantine Act B.E. 2558 (2015) mandates that all hedgehog imports require prior approval from the DNP and the Department of Livestock Development (DLD), which is rarely granted.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The DNP’s draft Wildlife Trade Control Master Plan (2026–2030) proposes stricter penalties for illegal hedgehog possession, including asset forfeiture for repeat offenders.
Enforcement has intensified in Bangkok and tourist hubs like Phuket, where illegal hedgehog cafés and private collections have been targeted. The DNP’s 2024 crackdown on exotic pet trafficking resulted in 12 confiscations of hedgehogs, all returned to wildlife sanctuaries. Exotic pet enthusiasts should verify species-specific exemptions under the Animal Epidemic Act B.E. 2558 (2015), though hedgehogs remain ineligible.