Press "Enter" to skip to content

Frank Cuesta’s Wildlife Legal Battle in Thailand: Arrest Over Protected Animals Sparks Controversy

Order Cannabis Online Order Cannabis Online

In a whirlwind of controversy and intrigue, a Spanish YouTuber found himself in the clutches of Thai law this week. The man in question, Francisco Javier Cuesta Ramos—more widely recognized by his YouTube moniker, Frank Cuesta—was arrested at his expansive estate in the picturesque central province of Kanchanaburi. Allegations had surfaced about his unlawful possession of numerous safeguarded animals, prompting authorities to take swift action.

Thai officials from the Immigration Bureau paired up with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation to raid Cuesta’s property. On the sprawling 38-acre property, the authorities stumbled upon what could only be described as Cuesta’s personal zoological Eden—albeit an unauthorized one. Home to a menagerie that included kangaroos hopping alongside ostriches, deer frolicking with miniature horses and buffaloes, and an assortment of other exotic creatures such as emus, capybaras, and Sulcata tortoises, Cuesta’s collection wreaked of wildlife overwhelm. The audacious display totaled over 50 animals, all supposedly protected under Thai law.

Cuesta, no stranger to the limelight thanks to his adventurous YouTube channel focusing on wildlife, claimed innocence, asserting that the lush land was not for his benefit alone—it was technically in his son’s name. Adding blades of grass to this lawn of legal troubles, it seems Cuesta couldn’t resist showcasing his eclectic animal kingdom online. The photos sparked concern and eventually spurred the complaints that led to his arrest.

Thai law, particularly Section 19 of the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act, is clear on such matters—no permission means no possession of protected wildlife. Violating this decree carries a hefty price: a possible four-year stint behind bars, and/or fines reaching up to 40,000 baht. Not a fun souvenir from the Land of Smiles.

Interestingly, this drama unfolds upon the backdrop of a storied history with Cuesta’s previous romantic entanglement. Frank Cuesta was once married to none other than the renowned Thai model and singer, Alissa “Yuyee” Intusmith. Their relationship, though now relegated to whispers of nostalgia, bore three children before spiraling down amidst turbulence. Yuyee was infamous for her own arrest, one shrouded in scandal involving the possession of cocaine—an offense that carved a substantial 15-year sentence, later mercifully reduced.

Yuyee’s arrest and incarceration grabbed headlines and sparked widespread conjecture both in Thailand and Spain. Many deduced foul play, with Cuesta voicing suspicions that influential figures orchestrated the arrest to retaliate against his conservationist crusades. Indeed, this web of wildlife woe is entangled with potent theories, some postulating it targeted those with vested interests in illegal wildlife trade.

The saga of Yuyee, far from comfortably concluding, became a rallying cry for justice among the Spanish populace. Hearts swelled and pens rallied with over half a million signatures craving morality to shine more brilliant than the Bangkok sun.

Attention-grabbing headlines tugged at readers from near and far as Thailand continues to navigate myriad controversies, whether they be venomous cobras poised to grant lottery fortune in Trang or clandestine foreign drivers turning Phuket’s roads into recklessness galore. Indeed, Cuesta’s plight weaves seamlessly into these bustling narratives, rich with intrigue, drama, and a hint of exotic escapism.

26 Comments

  1. wildlife_warrior February 28, 2025

    Frank Cuesta has dedicated his life to educating people about wildlife, and now he’s arrested? It feels like a slap in the face for conservation efforts everywhere.

    • Ed Ruiz February 28, 2025

      But he was keeping those animals illegally. Laws exist for a reason. You can’t just do what you want because you’re famous.

      • wildlife_warrior February 28, 2025

        I get that, but maybe the laws are outdated and need to be more flexible for genuine conservationists. It’s not like he was selling them!

    • Ava Brown February 28, 2025

      Fair point. Still, wouldn’t it have been better for him to work with the authorities officially? Set up something official that benefits both parties…

  2. ThaiGuy123 February 28, 2025

    Wow, Cuesta got caught? Good, I’m tired of foreigners thinking they can just flout our laws and get away with it.

    • FrankFan44 February 28, 2025

      Maybe he thought he was above the law, but he’s done so much good too. Just feels like he should get a warning first.

    • ThaiGuy123 February 28, 2025

      Warnings don’t work for people flaunting their illegal pets online. If he was serious about change, he’d work inside the law.

    • grower134 February 28, 2025

      Agree with you, ThaiGuy123. Plus, flaunting endangered animals online isn’t helping their case.

  3. Larry Davis February 28, 2025

    This incident reeks of vendetta. Wouldn’t be surprised if some folks from the illegal wildlife trade are pulling strings to exact revenge on Frank.

    • Rational_Thinker February 28, 2025

      Or maybe it’s just a simple case of him breaking the law and facing the consequences?

    • Larry Davis February 28, 2025

      Seems like a convenient story. I’ve followed Frank for years, and this just doesn’t add up without external pressure influencing it.

  4. Sophie February 28, 2025

    It’s alarming how close this story mirrors the scandal with Frank’s ex-wife Yuyee. Makes you wonder about the legal integrity in these cases…

    • Tom W. February 28, 2025

      That was a whole different case with its complications, but you’re right. This could be a pattern worth investigating further.

  5. local_conservative February 28, 2025

    It’s high time those with ‘celebrity status’ face the same rules as us. Privilege shouldn’t excuse criminal behavior.

    • Joe February 28, 2025

      Absolutely. It’s important for justice to be served fairly across the board. Yet, it does seem harsh given his past goodwill.

  6. Youtuber_Fan February 28, 2025

    The way Thai laws work seem archaic. Frank’s work is incredible, and his intentions were pure, in my opinion.

    • Flora February 28, 2025

      There’s no excuse for breaking the law, even with good intentions. It sets a bad example when legal procedures aren’t followed.

    • Youtuber_Fan February 28, 2025

      Perhaps this will all be a misunderstanding that gets sorted out quickly. He’s a valuable voice for wildlife!

  7. Ali February 28, 2025

    If Frank really wanted to help these animals, he’d have lobbied for change rather than holding them unlawfully.

  8. Wonderwoman_15 February 28, 2025

    With Thailand’s sketchy legal history, I tend to believe Frank here. Too much unexplained legal misconduct in the past.

  9. NatGeoAddict February 28, 2025

    I always loved Frank’s show. It’s hard to believe he would willingly harm the animals he loves. Seems off.

  10. Concerned_Citizen February 28, 2025

    This sets a precedent – maybe it’s time to rethink how wildlife is conserved globally, with famous advocates actually working legally.

  11. Mia B. February 28, 2025

    His story should prompt a deeper review of wildlife protection laws internationally. Maybe he can turn this into a larger positive change.

  12. CThompson99 February 28, 2025

    Frank has been in Thailand for years. Surely he understands the repercussions. This couldn’t just be an oversight.

  13. CasualViewer February 28, 2025

    The wildlife trade issues are complicated. It’s not about arresting one man but understanding supply chains and criminals behind the scenes.

  14. miaplease February 28, 2025

    Adding insult to injury… was Thailand really using this opportunity to distract from other missteps they’ve had internationally?

  15. Order Cannabis Online Order Cannabis Online

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More from ThailandMore posts in Thailand »