Beefed-up border battles: Thailand tightens grip on smuggling surge

Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke yesterday revealed an alarming rise in beef smuggling into Thailand, with yearly figures reaching over 100,000 tonnes. This has led to the government committing to tougher actions against the culprits.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ordered all relevant departments including the Customs Department and Department of Livestock Development, to intensify their efforts in curbing this illegal beef smuggling activity. The emphasis is on greater scrutiny of documents relating to customs clearance and quarantine, steps seen as necessary to restore faith in Thai livestock exports.

The influx of beef smuggling has had a destabilising effect on Thailand’s domestic meat distribution and pricing, according to Chai. Further plans involve the Premier engaging in discussions with international peers to increase meat exports, thereby enhancing income for local farmers, said Chai.

“The customs clearance process and quarantine must also proceed according to the law.”

Somkid Chueakong, who serves as a deputy secretary-general to the 61 year old prime minister, shed light on the plight of cattle farmers who have seen their beef selling prices plummet from 100 baht per kilogramme to 70 baht per kilogramme. In contrast, the retail market price for beef remains around 300 baht per kilogramme.

Somkid highlighted that an abundance of beef in the market originates from illicit smuggling from neighbouring countries, some of which is subsequently re-exported. The lack of mandatory customs checks and quarantines for these illegal imports has led to international trading partners halting their beef orders from Thailand over fears of foot and mouth disease contamination.

Somkid urged stringent checks on imported goods by customs and provincial livestock officials. He noted that smugglers have been using fraudulent documents to conceal illegal beef imports and smuggling electronic goods at border checkpoints, reported Bangkok Post.

In a recent crackdown on illicit livestock transportation, Thai authorities apprehended five individuals and seized 30 cattle after intercepting a convoy of five trucks. The operation, conducted at the Thai-Myanmar border in Tak province, underscores continued initiatives to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. Read more HERE.