The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) is preparing a report to support the removal of the red-whiskered bulbul from Thailand's protected wildlife list.
The report will be submitted to the Wildlife Protection and Conservation Committee next month, said DNP Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa.
Mr Attapol said on Wednesday the department received detailed findings from three sub-committees studying the issue. The move aims to pave the way for regulated breeding of the perching bird, known in Thai as Nok Krong Hua Jook, for commercial purposes.
The birds, treasured for their unique vocal sounds, are often entered into singing competitions, driving up their market value and demand.
"The committee is expected to reaffirm its decision to delist the species next month. Once approved, the resolution will be forwarded to the cabinet for final endorsement," he said.
Surveys conducted across designated areas found 44,800 red-whiskered bulbuls in 559 out of 2,584 grid locations, with 52% of the population living in forest zones.
This population size is considered stable and well above the threshold for endangered species under the International Union for Conservation of Nature criteria, which classifies species with fewer than 10,000 individuals as endangered.
"Our focus will be on creating a self-regulated society that strictly follows preventive measures, ensuring no capture of wild birds and preventing crossbreeding between wild and captive populations," Mr Attapol said. Previously, the committee instructed the department to form three study panels after mixed opinions emerged.
Supporters argue the bird could become a new economic resource for southern Thailand and help reduce unrest in the region.