Suchart has launched an operation to dismantle transnational waste networks, joining forces with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Customs Department, and Department of Industrial Works to conduct a raid at Laem Chabang, intercepting hazardous waste and establishing a special task force for close monitoring and inspection.
On 14 Sep 2026 GMT+7, at Laem Chabang Port Customs Office in Chonburi Province, Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, announced that following the government policy led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasizing environmental protection and public health, the Ministry is intensifying efforts to prevent illegal import and dumping of foreign waste. Today, an integrated operation was carried out with the DSI, Customs Department, Department of Industrial Works, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Boonaree Foundation, Suchart Ruangrattanapong, Chairman of the Crime Victims Assistance Club, and other relevant agencies inspecting suspicious containers potentially smuggling hazardous or prohibited waste into the kingdom. Narit Niramaiwong, Governor of Chonburi, supported the field operation.
Suchart stated that this operation aims to hold accountable all parties involved in the network, not just to seize goods at the endpoint. Initial information identifies seven exporting companies from the United States and sixteen importing companies in Thailand, with investigations covering the past two years to collect evidence and extend inquiries to all involved. If violations are found, strict legal proceedings will be enforced.
“The government has a clear policy that Thailand must not become a destination for hazardous waste from abroad. We will not allow smuggling networks to use Thailand as a transit or disposal site because ultimately the burden falls on our people and the environment.” Suchart added.
He further explained that the ministry has promoted preventive measures, including bans on importing electronic waste, plastic waste, and municipal waste, alongside enhanced inspections and law enforcement to close loopholes exploited for illegal waste importation. On 7 Sep 2026 GMT+7, he signed an order appointing a task force and special operations unit to monitor, inspect, prevent, and suppress illegal waste dumping and pollution in the eastern provinces, aiming for rapid and timely law enforcement.
“Today, we inspected the port to intercept waste at the source rather than waiting for it to escape and then respond. The inspections cover exporters, importers, port entries, transportation, and final disposal. If illegal activities are confirmed, we will trace back to the origins and enforce the law decisively against all involved.” Suchart stated.
For this inspection, the Pollution Control Department, as the ministry's main scientific agency and Thailand's coordinator under the Basel Convention, deployed officials to join “Operation Can Opener” alongside the Basel Action Network (BAN) to assess and examine transboundary waste shipments. Scientific analyses will verify whether the goods qualify as hazardous waste or prohibited products.
The inspection of nine containers concluded that three containers from Poland, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand were declared correctly and showed no contamination. However, six containers from the United States declared as aluminum scrap were found contaminated with electronic waste (e-waste).
Inspection results and scientific data will be compiled and forwarded to the DSI, Customs Department, and Department of Industrial Works to support legal proceedings if illegal transboundary movement of hazardous waste under the Basel Convention is confirmed. The Pollution Control Department will coordinate with the Basel Secretariat and source countries to strengthen measures and ensure accountability.
Suchart emphasized that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will work closely with law enforcement agencies to “intercept before entry—investigate to the source—extend investigations across the network—and enforce strict penalties.” He reaffirmed the government's and ministry’s stance that Thailand must not become a global waste dumping ground and will not allow the interests of corporate groups or offenders to override the safety of the public and the environment.
