Thailand Industry Ministry probes illegal import of radioactive waste
The Ministry of Industry has launched an investigation into the illegal importation of over 10,000 tonnes of radioactive waste falsely labelled as zinc concentrate.
The potentially dangerous material, tainted with radioactive caesium-137, was smuggled into Thailand using fraudulent documentation, sparking alarm over the safety of the country’s waste management practices.
Yesterday, March 25, Industry Minister Akanat Promphan revealed the investigation, which follows reports of false paperwork being used to bypass customs regulations. The investigation centres around KMC 1953 Co., which allegedly imported hazardous waste from Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa, Romania, Morocco, and Turkey, from July 2024 to January 2025.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the company used 33 falsified documents to mislead customs officials and gain access to the country. The substance in question, caesium-137, is a highly hazardous material and must be handled with extreme care.”
Caesium-137, a radioactive byproduct from the iron smelting process, is classified as Type 3 hazardous waste under Thai law and is subject to strict international controls.
The substance is regulated under the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, which Thailand adheres to.
Importing such waste requires specific authorisation from the Department of Industrial Works, which KMC 1953 Co. did not possess.
As the investigation deepens, authorities have discovered that the company managed to evade stricter import requirements by falsifying documents, including clearance papers issued by the Chon Buri Provincial Industrial Office.
These documents allowed the toxic waste, falsely described as “red dust,” to be imported under the radar, reported Bangkok Post.
“The initial findings suggest that there may be officials involved in this scandal who were complicit with the company,” said Minister Akanat. “We are committed to a thorough investigation to ensure that any responsible parties are held accountable.”
With the radioactive waste now in the country, the ministry is focusing on uncovering the full extent of the operation and determining whether further illegal imports of hazardous materials have occurred.
Authorities have pledged to take all necessary action to protect public health and the environment and ensure that this dangerous breach of protocol is fully addressed.
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