Chachoengsao: Police from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division raided a Chinese-funded factory in Chachoengsao Province, uncovering illegal importation and possession of electronic waste. Two Chinese nationals, Mr. Guo, 55, and Mr. Li, 42, were arrested during the operation.
According to Thai News Agency, the arrests took place in Village No. 9, Koh Khanun Subdistrict, Phanom Sarakham District. The factory was found to be in violation of laws related to the possession of hazardous substances without permission, specifically materials contaminated with cadmium, lead, and polychlorinated biphenyls. Evidence seized included approximately 11.5 tons of crushed products and waste contaminated with heavy metals.
The investigation began following the Customs Department's seizure of 10 containers, totaling 256 tons, falsely declared to smuggle electronic waste. The factory in Phanom Sarakham District was identified as the importer. Earlier scrutiny of related factories in Si Maha Phot District, which had already faced shutdown orders, revealed the movement of suspicious electronic waste into the Chachoengsao facility on January 5, 2025. Consequently, an order was issued for the factory to temporarily cease operations.
During the inspection, a significant amount of hazardous materials were found in the factory's possession. Mr. Li identified himself as the factory manager, and Mr. Guo claimed ownership of the area where the materials were located. Both admitted they did not have the necessary permissions, leading to their arrest and subsequent legal proceedings at Phanom Sarakham Police Station.
Officials also discovered a large quantity of electronic waste on the premises. The Department of Industrial Works is conducting further inspections to enforce the relevant laws. The suspects confessed to the charges and highlighted the environmental risks posed by poor waste management, warning of potential contamination in the food chain that could exceed safe consumption standards.