Bangkok: The government is intensifying efforts to intercept and remove more than 700,000 kg of heavy metal waste smuggled into Thailand, prioritizing environmental and public health protection.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, Deputy Government Spokesperson, disclosed the government's stringent measures following orders from Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister. The initiative targets the prevention and suppression of hazardous waste imports, aligning with the Basel Convention's regulations.
The Customs Department, in collaboration with the Department of Industrial Works, the Department of Special Investigation, and the Port Authority of Thailand, conducted inspections of 36 containers labeled as ZINC CONCENTRATE, weighing 736,425 kilograms, from Morocco. X-ray fluorescence tests revealed the presence of 32.2% zinc, 13.5% iron, and hazardous heavy metals, including 1.24% lead, 890 ppm cadmium, and 540 ppm antimony, marking them as hazardous under international guidelines.
The authorities are working to expel these materials from the country, coordinating with relevant agencies to block the entry of hazardous waste, adhering to international conventions. The aim is to prevent the transfer of hazardous waste from developed to developing nations.
Seizure statistics for the fiscal year 2025 indicate significant interceptions: 505,073 kilograms of electronic waste, 445,122 kilograms of plastic scrap, and 499,649 kilograms of zinc oxide, amounting to nearly 1.5 million kilograms.
Ms. Sasikarn emphasized the government's dedication to safeguarding public health and the environment from the repercussions of hazardous waste smuggling. She assured the public of the government's commitment to preventing Thailand from becoming a dumping ground for foreign waste and taking stringent action against offenders to enhance the quality of life for all citizens.