Illegal recycling site found with 3,600 tonnes of power lines
An unlicensed recycling facility in Samut Sakhon province has been found with illegally stored power lines, following a fire at a nearby plastics factory.
The incident occurred on January 29 in Ban Phaeo district when a fire erupted at a plastics factory, leading to an investigation. Police discovered materials marked for recycling by a Chinese-owned company, including power lines from a facility 500 metres away.
On January 31, police and Ministry of Industry officials inspected the facility and found similar cables stockpiled at an industrial site under the name Teng Ta.
Inspectors found the site locked and inactive. A local informed them that operations ceased after the fire, and there were attempts to remove the stockpiled materials. The Chinese national owner has reportedly not returned since the incident.
Officials suspect that approximately 3,600 tonnes of power lines, intended for recycling, were imported from abroad.
The facility was operating without the necessary permits and was stockpiling hazardous materials, prompting legal action against its operator.
Thailand faces a growing issue with illegal hazardous waste facilities, primarily in the Eastern Economic Corridor region, handling plastic as well as industrial and electronic waste.
Since China banned plastic waste imports in 2018, many Chinese investors have established recycling plants in Thailand, not all of them licensed, reported Bangkok Post.
As a result, there has been a significant influx of waste into Thailand, which has banned plastic waste imports effective January 1.
In similar news, Thai Customs officials uncovered a haul of over 256 tonnes of hazardous electronic waste smuggled into the country from Japan and Hong Kong via Laem Chabang Port.
The seizure, announced at a press conference by Customs spokesperson Panthong Loykulnanta, highlights ongoing efforts to combat illegal waste imports under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s directive to prioritise public health and environmental safety.
Customs officials intercepted ten shipping containers, falsely declared as scrap and used metal, during inspections on January 3 and 6.
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