DSI Busts Bt300m Illegal Timber Operation in Nong Khai

Pictures courtesy of MGR

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI), working with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, has uncovered a large-scale illegal timber operation in Nong Khai, seizing protected wood valued at more than 300 million baht. The timber was allegedly smuggled from northern national park forests, illegally processed and prepared for export abroad. Several suspects were arrested at the site, including Thai nationals and undocumented migrant workers.

The operation was announced at a press briefing on the afternoon of 15 December 2025. Officials said the seized timber included prohibited species such as pradu, rosewood (chingchan), and yang na, which had been cut from protected forest areas in northern Thailand. Investigators said the wood was disguised using reused or falsified documents to make it appear legally sourced.

Authorities stated that intelligence work had confirmed a timber smuggling route from forest areas to a warehouse operated by S.C. Charoensap 789 Co Ltd. The premises, located at 241 Moo 7 in Pho Chai subdistrict, Mueang Nong Khai district, were used as a timber warehouse, processing factory, office and workers’ accommodation. The site was also linked to Lockwood Co Ltd, which maintained an office on the same land.

During the raid, officers arrested two Thai men, one Thai woman, and 11 foreign workers found to be working illegally. Large quantities of protected timber were seized, including pradu logs and processed planks stored in multiple locations across the warehouse complex. Additional timber was found in an adjacent area enclosed with corrugated metal sheets.

Inspectors also examined a Hino container truck registered in Chonburi, which had been used to transport timber from the warehouse to other provinces. Inside the container, officers found 1,486 processed pradu planks and 18 processed rosewood planks, all classified as protected timber under Thai law. The total volume of seized wood amounted to tens of cubic metres, with an estimated value exceeding 300 million baht.

One Thai suspect told investigators that the timber processing factory and seized wood belonged to a Lao national who had leased the land from its owner. He claimed two Vietnamese nationals were hired to oversee and cut the timber, while some wood in the storage area had been purchased from sellers who had not yet provided full documentation. Officials said the remaining timber was claimed to belong to the landowner.

Manager online reported that authorities have filed charges under the Forest Act B.E. 2484 (1941). Further legal proceedings are under way, with investigators continuing to trace ownership, financial links, and possible export destinations.

Key Takeaways

• DSI seized protected timber worth over 300 million baht from a Nong Khai warehouse on 15 December 2025.

• The wood was allegedly smuggled from northern national park forests and prepared for export using falsified documents.

• Multiple suspects were arrested, and charges have been laid under Thailand’s Forest Act.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from MGRonline 2025-12-17