The cabinet on Tuesday approved the removal of the Red-Whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus) from Thailand's protected wildlife list, said Deputy Government Spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana.
The move paves the way for commercial breeding, supports local economies, encourages captive breeding over the capture of wild birds, and preserves cultural traditions such as bird-song contests in the South.
Oversight will remain with the Department of National Parks, which will monitor wild populations and reinstate protection if numbers decline.
Public consultations earlier this year showed broad support for the change, with officials stressing a balance between economic development and sustainable conservation, according to Ms Lalida.
