Bangkok:The government is intensifying its efforts against the illegal importation of electronic and hazardous waste, introducing stricter enforcement measures and higher fines.
According to Thai News Agency, the initiative, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, aims to prevent Thailand from becoming a dumping ground for foreign waste and to protect the environment and public health. This includes adjusting enforcement criteria under the Basel Convention, electronic waste, and municipal waste regulations, effective from November 4, 2026.
The new regulations impose a fine of 500,000 baht for importing, exporting, transiting, or transshipping waste illegally, with offenders required to re-export the seized goods at their own expense. Smuggling without customs clearance incurs a fine four times the total price, including duties, with similar re-export requirements.
A committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, has been established to coordinate efforts across relevant agencies. From November 1-9, 2026, customs officials seized 43 containers, weighing nearly 1,000 tons, at Laem Chabang Port. The crackdown reflects a broader effort, with 198 arrests and 20.50 million kilograms of contraband seized in fiscal year 2026, a substantial increase from the previous year.
The government remains committed to prosecuting offenders and ensuring seized items are exported legally, emphasizing the importance of protecting public health and the environment.