Bangkok:The Customs Department has intensified its inspections of containers to combat the smuggling of electronic waste, successfully sending back 5.29 million kilograms to their countries of origin.
According to Thai News Agency, the department clarified the situation regarding electronic waste in the Rayong and Prachinburi provinces. In the fiscal year 2026, it seized a total of 10.29 million kilograms of hazardous and electronic waste, with over half being repatriated. The department is also working on upgrading its inspection procedures to further prevent illegal activities.
Director-General Panthong Loykulnan stated that the department is strictly inspecting ships and containers following the discovery of illegal waste operations in Rayong and Prachinburi. Investigations have expanded and interception measures have been upgraded. In Rayong, two containers from Spain, declared as scrap metal, were part of a shipment of five, with further investigations leading to the seizure of additional containers. Similarly, in Prachinburi, connections were found with imported goods from the United States, resulting in the seizure of containers for further investigation.
The Basel Action Network reported 748 containers, after removing duplicates, 720 remained. Inspections showed that 440 containers did not enter Thailand, 187 did not contain hazardous waste, and 89 violated regulations. Of these, 75 have been returned, 14 are under legal proceedings, and 4 remain under investigation. Eighteen containers are still controlled at Laem Chabang Port.
The Director-General emphasized the department's urgent measures, requiring physical inspection of containers declared as scrap metal. Legal action will be enforced under the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017) for violations. Long-term measures include possibly classifying scrap metal and rubber as prohibited imports and establishing a transition period requiring import permits only for factories using the scrap as raw materials.
In fiscal year 2026, the department seized a total of 10.29 million kilograms of hazardous waste, repatriating 5.29 million kilograms. Electronic waste is prohibited under a 2020 Ministry of Commerce announcement, while metal scrap can still be imported, often exploited by offenders declaring it as scrap metal. The density of cargo piles limits inspections, but the department uses data and intelligence to focus on high-risk containers. The Customs Department remains committed to enforcing laws to protect public health and the environment from foreign waste.