Thai authorities have impounded 256 tonnes of suspected hazardous electronic waste at a factory in Ayutthaya, sparking an environmental crime investigation.
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| Authorities in Thailand seized 256 tonnes of electronic waste from a factory in Ayutthaya linked to illegal hazardous waste transport, prompting further investigation. Image Courtesy: Thai Police/ BP |
Ayutthaya, Thailand — May 11, 2025:
In a major environmental enforcement operation, Thai authorities have seized 256 tonnes of suspected hazardous electronic waste from a factory in Ayutthaya’s Bang Pahan district, following an ongoing investigation into illicit waste trafficking.
Pol Maj Gen Watcharin Pusit, commander of the Natural Resource and Environment Crime Suppression Division, announced on Sunday that the raid was carried out by police and industrial officials on Saturday at a facility in Moo 6 village, tambon Bang Pahan. Alongside electronic waste, the team discovered barrels of contaminated oil and various automotive parts.
The factory came under scrutiny after the arrest of a 48-year-old man, identified only as Sarawut, in Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani. He was apprehended while transporting hazardous e-waste in a truck en route to Bangkok’s Bang Na district. During questioning, Sarawut revealed that he had collected the materials from the Ayutthaya factory, leading to the subsequent raid.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the possession and handling of the electronic waste were lawful. Investigators are examining the facility’s permits and environmental compliance records as part of a broader effort to clamp down on illegal waste processing operations.
Thailand has seen a rise in environmental crimes involving electronic waste, much of it imported or mishandled domestically, raising concerns about long-term impacts on public health and ecosystems.
The investigation remains ongoing.