
CHACHOENGSAO — Thai authorities have uncovered a major electronic waste trafficking operation in Chachoengsao province, seizing over 11.5 tons of hazardous materials and arresting two Chinese nationals.
Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division police and Industrial Works Department officials raided a factory in Koh Khanun, Phanom Sarakham district, Chachoengsao province on January 26. They discovered 11.5 tons of hazardous materials contaminated with heavy metals, including 0.5 tons of shredded waste products, 1 ton of contaminated products, and 10 tons of sorted waste materials.
The materials included electronic waste that had been illegally transported from a factory in Sri Maha Pho district, Prachinburi province. That facility had been ordered to cease operations by the Department of Industrial Works on January 5, 2025.
The raid followed a customs seizure of 10 shipping containers at Laem Chabang port containing 256 tons of illegally imported electronic waste. The shipment was falsely declared by EEE Trading Company, based in Phanom Sarakham.

Officials arrested two Chinese nationals: Li, 55, who identified himself as the factory manager, and Guo, 43, who claimed ownership of the hazardous materials. Both confessed to charges of unauthorized possession of Category 3 hazardous substances.
Industry Minister Ekanit Promphanthun revealed on January 24 that EEE Trading operated within Chun Yip International (Thailand) Company’s premises. The investigation found Chun Yip violated five regulations, including unauthorized hazardous material possession, illegal factory operation, safety violations, improper waste management, and tampering with seized evidence. The minister ordered immediate suspension of operations and legal prosecution.
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