Chiang saen: Authorities intercepted a smuggling operation involving over 16.5 tons of raw pork from China. Chiang Saen and Mae Sai customs checkpoints intercepted over 16.5 tons of smuggled raw pork from China, worth over 1.5 million baht, hidden among fresh vegetables to deceive officials.
According to Thai News Agency, Chiang Saen Customs has ordered strict X-ray inspections of containers from China at Mae Sai Customs, seizing over 379 boxes of undeclared pork, weighing a total of over 16.5 tons and valued at over 1.53 million baht. The customs officials emphasized their continued commitment to cracking down on illegal agricultural products to protect consumer safety and safeguard Thai farmers.
Ms. Pra-ornrat Rattanapornsompong, Director of Customs Region 3, revealed that on September 17, 2026, the Customs Department, through the Chiang Saen Customs House, Mae Sai Customs House, and the Customs Control Division of Customs Region 3, collaborated with relevant agencies to inspect and seize smuggled pork carcasses imported from the People's Republic of China. This followed an investigation into irregularities in a container submitted for customs clearance, which was declared as containing three types of fresh vegetables: beetroot, Chinese cabbage, and green coral lettuce, totaling 930 boxes with a net weight of 18,850 kilograms.
The officials analyzed the data and managed the risk by having the container inspected through an X-ray machine at Mae Sai Customs. The scan revealed complex contents and a weight discrepancy that did not clearly match the declared documents. Therefore, Chiang Saen Customs officials, in conjunction with the Customs Control Division of Customs Region 3, Chiang Rai Animal Quarantine Station, Chiang Saen Food and Drug Administration Station, and Chiang Saen Plant Quarantine Station, conducted a detailed inspection of the container.
The inspection revealed that, in addition to some fresh vegetables listed, pork was also found hidden inside the cargo containers without being declared on the customs declaration form. There were 379 boxes of pork, with a total net weight of 16,514.1 kilograms (approximately 16.5 tons), with an estimated value of approximately 1.53 million baht. This action constitutes a violation of Sections 202, 243, and 244 of the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017), as well as violations of the Animal Epidemics Act B.E. 2558 (2015) and the Food Act B.E. 2522 (1979). The authorities have seized and impounded the goods to proceed with strict legal action.
This operation reflects the efficiency and strictness of the Customs Department in cracking down on the smuggling of illegal meat and agricultural products, in order to prevent the risk of animal disease outbreaks, raise food safety standards for the public, and protect the stability of the domestic economy and farmers sustainably.