Laem chabang: The Customs Department, in collaboration with the Chonburi Animal Quarantine Station, has intercepted a shipment of 51 tons of frozen chicken feet falsely declared as mango sticky rice, destined for China. The seized goods, valued at over 4.8 million baht, underscore concerns about potential risks to international trade relations and possible bans on poultry exports.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Panthong Loykulnan, Director-General of the Customs Department, stated that the operation is part of the department's response to urgent policies set by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and other high-ranking officials. These policies aim to uphold the integrity of agricultural market mechanisms, enhance economic growth, and protect societal interests. The department is intensifying inspections through a data linkage system and a Risk Management system that employs X-ray technology to assess high-risk containers efficiently and safely.
On July 27, 2026, an inspection at Laem Chabang Port, conducted by the Laem Chabang Port Customs Office and other relevant authorities, revealed the fraudulent declaration. Two containers, declared as carrying "mango sticky rice," were found to contain frozen chicken feet instead. The entire shipment, weighing 51,000 kilograms and valued at 4,827,265 baht, was confiscated, and legal proceedings are underway against those involved. This violation pertains to the illicit export of animal carcasses and breaches several sections of the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017) and the Animal Epidemics Act B.E. 2558 (2015).
Mr. Loykulnan emphasized the potential damage to Thailand's international credibility if such exports were permitted. Chicken feet exports require strict licensing due to contamination risks, including avian influenza. Allowing such exports could lead to import bans from trading partners, severely impacting Thailand's export economy. The Customs Department remains committed to rigorous inspections and law enforcement to safeguard the country's export standards and the international trade system.