By Faridat Salifu
Thailand has initiated steps to return 284 tonnes of illegally imported electronic waste to the United States after authorities intercepted the shipment at a major port.
The waste, packed in 12 containers, was falsely declared as scrap metal from Haiti before inspections revealed hazardous electronic materials.
Officials at Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri province uncovered circuit boards, computer components, and used electronic equipment during a detailed examination.
Authorities said an additional 21 containers linked to the shipment are currently under inspection, raising concerns that more illegal e-waste could be discovered.
The Director-General of Thailand’s Pollution Control Department, Surin Warakijthamrong, confirmed that the consignment violates international environmental regulations.
He said the government would enforce provisions of the Basel Convention requiring illegal waste shipments to be returned to their country of origin at the exporter’s expense.
The discovery followed intelligence from the Basel Action Network, which monitors global trafficking of hazardous waste.
Thai authorities said the interception sends a strong signal that the country will not serve as a dumping ground for foreign waste.
Thailand, which banned e-waste imports in 2020, has intensified enforcement in recent years to curb illegal shipments.
The government expanded its regulatory framework in 2025 to cover 463 categories of electronic waste in a bid to strengthen environmental protection.
The case underscores ongoing global concerns over the transboundary movement of hazardous waste, particularly from developed to developing countries.
