RAYONG, Thailand – Officials from the Ministry of Industry continue their crackdown on illegal factories in Rayong province, uncovering one that was smuggling scrap rubber from Cambodia. The authorities were able to trace the operations and seize a large amount of contraband, despite the owner fleeing with key evidence.
The Ministry of Industry has announced the arrest of a factory in Rayong province, as part of their operations to uncover illegal conduct according to reports and complaints from villagers.
Officials from the Ministry’s “Team Sud Soi” have recently inspected a factory of Fong Hong Yuan Heng Rubber Co., Ltd., located in Nikhom Phatthana district, which was reportedly operating as a rubber recycling facility processing illegally imported scrap rubber from Cambodia.
Ms. Thitiphat Chotidetchaichanan, head of the working group for the Minister of Industry and leader of the “Team Sud Soi” task force, revealed the authorities have been alerted after residents in Sa Kaeo province tipped them off about trucks smuggling scrap rubber from Cambodia to the site.
The investigation first led the team to what appears to be an abandoned facility, however further probes enabled the officials to trace their operations to another factory operated under the name Oranlight Co., Ltd., in Chonburi province.
Registered with the name of Benjamas Leesom as a board member, the company reportedly specializes in cutting, shredding, and pressing rubber sheets for export. A raid at this facility uncovered machinery believed to have been relocated from Rayong, along with over 5,000 tonnes of scrap rubber, particularly scraps of used car tires which the factory is allegedly processing without authorization.
Upon questioning, Ms Benjamas admitted that the rubber had been smuggled in from Cambodia. She also disclosed that her Chinese boyfriend was responsible for coordinating the purchases.
Authorities have seized all materials and equipment and taken Ms Benjamas into custody. She now faces multiple charges related to illegal operations and smuggling. (NNT)
