Thailand is home to the primary population of striped narrow–headed softshell turtle (Chitra chitra) and is an important area for turtle conservation as it serves as a significant trade route to China (but lacks the proper facilities to deal with seizures). While infrastructure seems to exist for turtle conservation, the TSA has met with many challenges in trying to initiate conservation programs here. However, a recent trip in September 2009 may have planted the seeds for new initiatives in Thailand.