Pictures courtesy of Amarin

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has raided a recycling factory in Kaeng Khoi district, Saraburi province, uncovering more than 54 tonnes of used batteries classified as hazardous materials and seizing heavy machinery, with police suspecting links to Chinese investment. The operation took place on 16 January 2026 and resulted in criminal charges against a company accused of illegally possessing and processing dangerous waste. Authorities said the discovery posed serious environmental and community risks due to improper handling and storage.

The raid followed intelligence received by police indicating that an unlicensed factory was secretly buying and stockpiling used batteries for sorting and recycling outside the legal regulatory framework. Officers from the CIB, led by Pol Lt Col Thitipong Thongphanchang of Sub-Division 2, Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, obtained a search warrant from the Saraburi Provincial Court dated 12 January 2026. The warrant was executed at a company premises in Moo 5, Ban That subdistrict, Kaeng Khoi district.

Inside the factory, police found piles of used batteries classified as hazardous substance type 3 under the Hazardous Substances Act B.E. 2535, with a combined weight of 54,644 kilograms. Officers also seized one 30-horsepower forklift, one 200-horsepower excavator and documents including battery weighing records cards showing an additional 32,940 kilograms. A 20-year-old man, identified as Mr Watchathanapong, told officers he was the caretaker of the premises but could not produce any operating or possession licences.

Police said the company faces multiple charges, including possession of hazardous substances without permission under Section 23 and penalties under Section 73 of the Hazardous Substances Act B.E. 2535. Additional charges relate to operating a factory in the metal sorting and recycling category without authorisation under the Factory Act B.E. 2535, and running a business hazardous to public health without permission under the Public Health Act B.E. 2535. Investigators noted that the operation is suspected to involve Chinese capital, though inquiries are ongoing.

Due to the large volume of hazardous materials, officials from the Saraburi Provincial Industry Office ordered the batteries and machinery to be seized and sealed at the site rather than moved. Mr Watchathanapong was assigned as the custodian of the seized items until the case is concluded or further orders are issued by investigators. Complaints have been formally lodged by the provincial industry office and the relevant local administrative organisation to pursue legal action.

Amarin reported that authorities warned that used lead-acid batteries are not ordinary waste, as they contain lead and sulphuric acid, both of which are highly dangerous if mishandled. Improper recycling methods, such as breaking batteries or melting lead without controls, can contaminate soil, water and air, with long-term health consequences, particularly for children. Police said further investigations will determine the full network behind the operation and whether additional suspects will be charged.

Key Takeaways

• Police seized more than 54 tonnes of used batteries classified as hazardous materials at an unlicensed Saraburi factory.

• A 20-year-old caretaker failed to produce permits, leading to multiple charges under three separate laws.

• Authorities warned of severe environmental and health risks from illegal battery recycling operations.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Amarin 2026-01-17

 

 

Is a caretaker just that - looking after a building or does it mean something different here? He's 20 so guess not a clue whether the business is legal or not - bit like a security guard & now custodian of the illegal batteries - doubt he can say no then they will be moved & him charged or possibly worse

Yet again, Chinese criminal gangs allowed to operate in Thailand. More evidence that the Chinese own the Thai criminal justice system?