CIB Raids Illegal Chinese-Backed Timber Plant in Phitsanulok

Picture courtesy of CIB.

Officers from The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) have raided an illicit timber processing facility in Chai Nam subdistrict, Wang Thong district, Phitsanulok, following public complaints over pollution and health hazards affecting the local community.

The operation, led by the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division (NED), was conducted under a court-issued search warrant after residents reported persistent air pollution, foul odours, and excessive dust believed to originate from the factory.

During the raid, authorities identified four individuals at the site: Thanawut (30), Jie Mei, Cheng Qi and Wanwisak. All were charged under multiple offences, including violations of the Forest Act B.E. 2484, particularly Section 73 bis for failing to comply with licensing conditions, and the Chainsaw Control Act B.E. 2545, for possession of chainsaws without proper registration.

Five illegal chainsaws were seized, all lacking authorised registration documents. Officers also confiscated unregistered logs and timber inventory books, as well as a processing ledger, revealing the facility’s operation as a veneer wood processing plant.

Though officially registered under Thai national Thanawut, investigators discovered that the plant was in fact leased and operated by foreign nominees, Chinese nationals Cheng Qi and Jie Mei, in the name of a registered company. The arrangement raised serious concerns about attempts to circumvent Thailand’s foreign ownership laws.

Additionally, the plant was found to be operating without the necessary public health permits, in violation of the Public Health Act B.E. 2535, for running a business deemed hazardous to public health.

Authorities suspect that the foreign operators used Thai nominees to gain access to the business, a practice that may constitute unlawful foreign business control. The factory also failed to maintain legally required timber records, further deepening its legal troubles.

All seized items have been handed over to relevant authorities, and those arrested face multiple charges.

Investigations will continue, with authorities aiming to uncover further individuals and networks associated with the illegal operation. The case underscores the government’s commitment to tackling environmental crimes and unlawful foreign business activities in Thailand.

  Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-05-25.