Laem chabang: Minister Suchart Chomklin, in a collaborative mission with the Customs Department, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Pollution Control Department, and the Department of Industrial Works, conducted a detailed inspection of nine containers at Laem Chabang port. The goal was to intercept illegal electronic waste imports that could potentially violate the Basel Convention. Over the past 11 months, the Customs Department has successfully seized 187 cases of such contraband, totaling 9.67 million kilograms and valued at over 234 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, the investigation was centered at Laem Chabang Port Customs and Hutchison Laem Chabang Terminal (D1) in Chonburi Province. This coordinated effort was aimed at preventing the illegal importation of electronic and hazardous waste, which poses significant risks to the environment and public health. The operation was initiated after a joint effort by the DSI and the Customs Department on August 25, 2026, to seize 50 containers for further scrutiny.
Customs records showed that out of these 50 containers, 19 had already been seized for illegal activities, 16 lacked import records, and 17 had documented import information. Notably, one container had been released before the seizure notification, while six remained seized, awaiting importer contact for inspection.
On August 26, 2026, a subsequent inspection by the Customs Department, the Pollution Control Department, and the Department of Industrial Works revealed irregularities in 6 out of 10 containers checked. These containers contained electronic circuit boards or materials potentially classified as hazardous waste. A follow-up inspection was conducted today on nine containers at Hutchison Laem Chabang Terminal (D1), including the six with previous irregularities and three additional containers from the same company, to verify the contents and gather evidence for legal action.
Throughout the first 11 months of 2026, a total of 187 cases involving illegal goods were intercepted, amassing approximately 9.67 million kilograms. Of this, around 2.7 million kilograms were electronic waste, 6.6 million kilograms were hazardous waste, and 300,000 kilograms were plastic scraps. These efforts underscore the persistent actions taken to safeguard the environment from harmful imports.