BANGKOK, Thailand – The Office of the Ombudsman is preparing policy recommendations for the Cabinet to curb the illegal import of electronic waste, plastic waste, red dust, and other hazardous materials. The proposals would tighten oversight from customs checkpoints through transportation to destination factories while improving cargo screening, data sharing, and enforcement.
Chief Ombudsman Songsak Saicheua reported that an inspection at the Customs X-Ray and Technology Center at Laem Chabang Port identified several weaknesses in the current system. Container-scanning equipment has been in service for nearly 20 years, while high cargo volumes make physical inspection of every container impractical. The Ombudsman also identified legal gaps in holding import and shipping agents accountable for illegal electronic-waste shipments.
Proposals include upgrading X-ray technology, deploying mobile scanners in high-risk areas, and introducing risk-based screening based on cargo type and origin. A national oversight mechanism chaired by the prime minister or a deputy prime minister and a real-time monitoring center led by the Customs Department are also under consideration. Integrated government databases and satellite tracking would monitor hazardous materials from import authorization through transportation to receiving factories.
Other recommendations include standardized procedures for inspecting suspicious containers, tighter oversight of businesses with prior illegal waste cases, tougher penalties, and revised controls for high-risk factories. (NNT)
