Major Cross-Border Illegal Timber Ring Dismantled

Crime

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September 19, 2025Sep 19

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Authorities have dismantled a major international timber trafficking network, seizing rosewood valued at over 14 million baht in Nong Khai province. The raid, led jointly by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), uncovered hundreds of illegally felled logs stored in a warehouse. Officials confirmed investigations will expand to identify financiers and state officials suspected of involvement.

On 18 September 2025, DNP Director-General Atthapol Charoenchansa and DSI Director Angsukati Wisutwattanasak, along with Deputy Governor of Nong Khai Phaitoon Mahachuenjai, announced the seizure. The operation targeted a warehouse belonging to Chen Thai International Co., Ltd. in Wat That subdistrict, Mueang Nong Khai district. Investigators had been tracking the network under case file number 114/2568 after receiving intelligence about foreign investors backing logging operations in northern conservation forests.

Officials discovered 378 pieces of rosewood, including logs, planks and stumps, with a total volume of 32.5 cubic metres and weighing around 28,000 kilograms. The market value of the seized timber was estimated at 14 million baht. Authorities confirmed the wood had been illegally taken from protected and reserved forests in the north.

The investigation revealed a complex operation where villagers were hired to cut rosewood in conservation zones, before transporting it to regional warehouses. From there, the timber was moved by trucks to the Nong Khai site, where traders would purchase it for onward transport. The logs were then either transported through Laos or exported by container from Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi.

Records from the company showed rosewood exports to China and Vietnam between 2023 and 2025, totalling 2,053 cubic metres and weighing nearly 2.47 million kilograms. This was valued at state losses exceeding 143 million baht. Based on current market prices of 300–500 baht per kilogram, the overall economic damage to Thailand’s forests was estimated at around 1.23 billion baht.

Authorities said evidence indicated foreign financiers were behind the trade, with local officials providing assistance. Undercover surveillance confirmed the movement of logs from forests to warehouses, highlighting the scale of the trafficking ring. Agencies involved included the DSI, DNP, police, border patrol units, customs and provincial authorities.

Further investigations will focus on identifying all parties linked to the illegal logging operation, including investors and state officials suspected of facilitating the trade. Authorities confirmed that prosecutions will continue to dismantle the network completely.

Key Takeaways

• Authorities seized 378 rosewood logs worth 14 million baht in Nong Khai.

• Investigations revealed foreign financiers and possible state collusion.

• Losses to Thailand’s forests from the trade are estimated at 1.23 billion baht.