Thailand cracks down on scrap shops selling stolen goods
Scrap shop owners beware! A tough new law is set to impose prison sentences on those caught buying stolen goods, aiming to crack down on a rising wave of thefts targeting public and private property.
The Control of Sale by Auction and Trade of Antiques Act 1931 has been amended by the House Committee on Industry to close legal loopholes that have allowed stolen items to be resold through scrap shops.
Akkaradet Wongpitakroj, a United Thai Nation MP for Ratchaburi and chairperson of the committee announced the amendment yesterday, February 24, highlighting the growing problem of stolen public property being sold at scrap yards. He cited a surge in thefts of electric cables, manhole covers, and water meters, which has caused significant damage and financial loss to communities.
“Current laws are too lenient. Scrap shop owners who don’t record purchase details face only a 2,000 baht fine, which is often less than the profits they make from selling stolen goods.”
Akkaradet pointed out that this loophole has made it challenging for both police and the Department of Provincial Administration to track stolen items.
The revised law, developed in collaboration with the Department of Provincial Administration, introduces prison sentences alongside fines for scrap shop owners who fail to document seller information. This aims to deter the trade of stolen property and prevent scrap shops from becoming a hub for illegal transactions.
Akkaradet explained that discussions with scrap shop owners revealed concerns about the current manual, handwritten log system. To modernise this process, the amendment proposes the use of electronic records, possibly through a website or mobile app, to ensure accurate and accessible data for law enforcement.
“These digital records will help police trace stolen items and catch criminals more efficiently.”
Akkaradet emphasised that the amendment targets scrap shop owners and not scavengers, ensuring the law protects legitimate businesses while cracking down on illegal activities.
The revised law is now being forwarded to the House Speaker for consideration by the House of Representatives. If passed, it is expected to significantly curb the theft of public and private property by cutting off the demand for stolen goods at the source, reported Bangkok Post.
“This amendment will enhance the security of public and private assets while protecting law-abiding scrap businesses. It’s a necessary step to close legal loopholes and strengthen Thailand’s fight against property theft.”
The new law is seen as a landmark move in safeguarding public property, with police hoping it will send a clear message to those involved in the illegal scrap trade: Crime doesn’t pay.
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