Prachinburi:The Commerce Department has conducted inspections of e-waste recycling businesses in Prachinburi province, identifying four companies suspected of using Thai nationals as nominees to conceal foreign interests.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Business Development (DBD) is extending its investigation to trace financial transactions related to these companies. Additionally, the department is scrutinizing 44 other waste recycling companies with foreign ownership for potential illegal activities.
Mr. Kittiwat Patchimanan, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, reported that the investigations follow concerns about an electronic waste recycling facility in Prachinburi operating illegally and causing local pollution. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, has instructed agencies to rigorously pursue legal actions. The investigation will also include other foreign-owned waste businesses in the province.
The DBD, in cooperation with the Prachinburi Provincial Commerce Office and law enforcement, conducted on-site inspections examining company registration, funding sources, and shareholder structures. Initial findings indicate that four companies were using Thai nationals as nominees. Details have been forwarded to law enforcement for further investigation, focusing on financial transactions of the Thai shareholders to gather evidence for legal proceedings.
The Intelligence Business Analytics System (IBAS) was utilized to identify 44 high-risk companies with foreign ownership. These include 41 non-hazardous waste businesses and 3 hazardous waste businesses, with varying levels of foreign ownership. The department plans to investigate these entities' shareholding structures and management practices to verify any illegal activities.
As of September 30, 2026, 2,863 limited companies nationwide are engaged in waste businesses with foreign ownership, including 2,568 non-hazardous waste companies and 295 hazardous waste companies. The DBD emphasizes the importance of cooperation among agencies to prevent illegal business operations using Thai nominees and to protect legitimate businesses and the public.
The public is encouraged to report suspected nominee operations via the Department of Business Development's website or hotline 1570.