Ministerial Regulation on the Categories and Species of Animals for Scientific Purposes, B.E. 2566.

This Ministerial Regulation, issued under the Animal for Scientific Purposes Act B.E. 2558, defines the categories and types of animals permitted for use in scientific work in Thailand. It classifies animals into three main categories: experimental animals, which are bred under controlled, hygienic conditions for scientific use; domesticated animals, which are bred without strict environmental controls and are typically used for companionship, work, food, or entertainment; and wild animals, which originate and reproduce naturally in the wild.
The Regulation further specifies the types of animals within these categories, dividing them into vertebrates and invertebrates. Vertebrates include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, while invertebrates include crustaceans, arachnids, insects, mollusks, and nematodes. The purpose of this classification is to ensure ethical and scientifically sound practices in the use of animals for research, aligning with international standards and promoting responsible oversight in scientific endeavors.