Police from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division (NED) have raided an illegal factory allegedly operated by a Chinese group in Samut Sakhon, uncovering large quantities of electronic waste being sorted and processed without a licence. Authorities said the facility had previously been ordered to close but had resumed operations.

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On 30 May, Maj Gen Anek Taosuphap, commander of the NED, ordered officers led by Pol Col Aphisan Chairat, superintendent of Sub-Division 5, and Pol Lt Col Amnuay Khaengsopha, together with officials from the Samut Sakhon Provincial Industry Office, to inspect a factory in Bang Thorat subdistrict, Mueang district, Samut Sakhon. The operation followed complaints from local residents that large volumes of electronic waste were being brought into the site.

According to investigators, residents reported that the factory was being operated by Chinese nationals and that trucks had been delivering electronic waste to the premises on numerous occasions. The waste was allegedly stockpiled on site and concealed beneath tarpaulins. Authorities noted that the factory had already been raided and ordered to cease operations in early 2025 but had reportedly reopened illegally.

During the inspection, officials found substantial quantities of waste materials, including electrical cables, scrap metal and discarded electronic components, stored at several locations around the property. Tarpaulins were used to cover many of the stockpiles, matching information provided by complainants.

Investigators also discovered machinery and equipment used for sorting and processing electronic waste. Officials said the operation appeared to fall under Factory Type 106 regulations, covering facilities that handle hazardous waste such as chemicals, electrical wiring and other dangerous materials.

Officials from the Provincial Industry Office examined the company’s documentation and found that the factory did not hold a valid operating licence. The stockpiled materials, including mixed cables and metal waste, were considered likely to contain hazardous substances. Preliminary measurements estimated the volume of material at approximately 3,274 cubic metres.

Following the inspection, provincial industry officials filed a complaint with investigators at Bang Thorat Police Station. The company faces allegations of establishing and operating a factory without authorisation under Thailand’s Factory Act, an offence carrying a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both.

Daily News reported that authorities have collected samples of the materials for detailed scientific examination to determine the types of hazardous substances present. Further legal action against those involved will depend on the results of the testing and any subsequent investigation.

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 1 June 2026

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They haven't figured out there's no "away" in throw away. Nobody has come up with any feasible solution about what do do with e-waste. Certainly not recyclable and recovering the metals inside is, well, fatal to the disposable workers.

But...waddya do with it???

The Chinese pulled a scam for years where they accepted plastic waste from the west and dumped it in countries like Indonesia, leaving the mess for the locals to deal with whilst the Chinese pocketed the profits.