SAMUT SAKHON — In a major environmental crime bust, Thai authorities have uncovered an illegal electronic waste processing operation in Samut Sakhon Province, leading to the seizure of over 1,200 tons of electronic waste. The investigation began after a trail of debris led police to the facility.
The Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division (NRECD), working alongside provincial industrial authorities, raided CHH Recycle Company Limited in Bang Koh district, Samut Sakhon. The operation was sparked by an incident where two trucks were caught spilling electronic waste in Prachinburi Province.
During the January 5 inspection, authorities encountered a company employee identified only as “June,” who stated that the facility was owned by a Chinese national named Mr. Zhang, who was reportedly out of town. The search revealed massive quantities of electrical components and circuit boards scattered throughout the premises.
Police Colonel Aroon Wachirasrisukanya, Deputy Commander of NRECD, explained that the investigation began on January 4 when two trucks were discovered dropping electronic waste in Sri Maha Pho district, Prachinburi. The truck drivers revealed they were hired to transport waste from a facility in Ban Wha En to Samut Sakhon, leading investigators to the illegal operation.
Industry Minister Ekanat Promphant revealed that a significant portion of the seized materials included uncertified power supply units. Some of the waste was traced back to T&T Waste Management 2017 Company Limited in Prachinburi, which had been shut down in September 2024 for violating the Factory Act.
The facility has been ordered to cease operations immediately. Authorities have filed multiple charges against the operators, including:
- Operating a Type 3 factory without proper permits
- Unauthorized modification of machinery
- Possession of hazardous materials without proper licensing
- Distribution of uncertified industrial products
The violations carry potential penalties ranging from six months to two years imprisonment and fines up to 500,000 baht. Additional charges related to illegal transportation of seized materials could result in minimum two-year prison sentences and fines starting at 40,000 baht.
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