Bangkok: The government is expanding its crackdown on transnational e-waste, moving from "opening containers" to "dismantling networks," initially investigating 825 containers. The government emphasizes that the investigation is based on evidence and does not assume all containers are illegal.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that efforts are underway to prevent Thailand from becoming a transit or destination for electronic and hazardous waste from abroad. The strategy has evolved from inspecting individual containers to conducting comprehensive investigations along the entire supply chain. This includes examining exporters abroad, shipping documents, importers, the final destinations for the waste, and even the financial trail, to ensure that legal action reaches the true perpetrators based on the evidence.
This initiative follows an inspection of suspicious containers at Laem Chabang Port on September 14, 2026, led by Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) collaborated with 18 agencies and organizations, including the Customs Department, the Pollution Control Department, and the Department of Industrial Works, to investigate potential illegal imports of electronic waste that may not comply with relevant laws.
Ms. Lalida emphasized that "seizure for inspection does not necessarily mean wrongdoing." Of the targeted 10 containers inspected, 3 from Poland, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand were found to be correctly declared and free of contamination. However, 6 containers from the United States, declared as aluminum scrap, contained electronic waste, prompting legal action and further investigation.
The government aims to trace the origins of illegal shipments, identifying the senders, importers, destinations, and financial transactions involved. Evidence remains paramount, with the focus being on containers proven to be involved in wrongdoing.
Regarding 50 additional containers seized by the DSI, this action is for further investigation and does not imply all are illegal. Initial findings revealed irregularities in 19 containers, while 14 lacked import records, necessitating individual investigations.
The DSI is broadening its investigation of the initial list of approximately 825 containers suspected to have been imported into Thailand. Earlier inspections found violations in 151 containers, linking them to seven exporting companies from the United States and sixteen importing companies in Thailand. However, the investigation is ongoing, and no conclusions have been made regarding the involvement of all containers or companies.
Ms. Lalida reported that during the first 11 months of fiscal year 2026, the Customs Department seized 187 environmental cases, confiscating 9.67 million kilograms of goods valued over 234.4 million baht. This included around 2.7 million kilograms of electronic waste, 6.6 million kilograms of hazardous waste, and 300,000 kilograms of plastic scraps.
'The goal is to prevent Thailand from becoming a dumping ground for hazardous waste. Investigations must trace back to the source, the destination, and the money trail, but every step must be based on evidence, without generalizations or accusations against individuals or companies before the investigation is complete. This ensures that environmental protection, public health, and law enforcement go hand-in-hand,' Ms. Lalida stated.