Phayuha Khiri district in Nakhon Sawan has been long known as the country's most famous ivory carving centre. But with the government's renewed campaign against illegal ivory from Africa, it is doubtful the district can retain its fame for very long.

At least two shops were forced to shut down last month after police from the Natural Resources and Environment Crime Division (NRECD) mounted an operation in Phayuha Khiri town and seized a large amount of ivory, thought to have originated from Africa.

The arrests of shop owners Jintana Fapratanporn and Jittima Chaiyakul on Jan 17 showed the illegal importation of African ivory and exportation of decorative products made from the tusks, mostly to the US, still continues despite the campaign which was first launched in 2002.

NRECD police said they are still investigating the case since both suspects have denied dealing in smuggled African ivory.

Thi Sangworari, chairman of the Thailand Ivory Carving Club which has about 100 craftsmen as members, complained the government crackdown has hurt employment and caused a sharp decline in business in the district.