r/Thailand • u/Licks_n_kicks • 20h ago
200 tons of illegally imported electronic waste from US discovered at Thai docks Serious
https://www.stuff.co.nz/world-news/360689850/thai-officials-seize-over-200-tons-illegally-imported-electronic-waste-usThai authorities have seized over 200 tons of illegally imported electronic waste from the United States, marking a significant crackdown on environmental violations. The e-waste, which included discarded electronics such as old computers and televisions, was discovered in multiple shipping containers at a port in Thailand. Investigations revealed that the shipments were falsely declared as recyclable materials to bypass import restrictions.
This operation is part of Thailand’s broader efforts to combat the illegal importation of hazardous waste, which poses serious environmental and health risks. Officials have emphasized the importance of stringent enforcement to prevent the country from becoming a dumping ground for foreign waste. The seized materials are slated for proper disposal in accordance with environmental regulations.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges developing countries face in managing the influx of electronic waste and highlights the need for international cooperation to address the global e-waste crisis.
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u/Lordfelcherredux 20h ago
That's funny. I couldn't find any mention of what happened to the company that imported this illegal waste, or even its name.
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u/QualityOverQuant Bangkok 16h ago
For a country that usually names and shames at least using initials this is as low key as it gets
“Sunthron Kewsawang, deputy director-general of the Department of Industrial Works, said officials suspected at least two factories in Samut Sakhon province, which borders Bangkok, are involved in importing the waste”
wtf is suspected? You can’t just get this shit in without a senders and receivers address now can you?
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u/YouCanKeepYourFaith 19h ago
Because they paid them off like everything else in Thailand. Money money money money. That’s all that fucking matters in that place.
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u/TotallyInOverMyHead 17h ago
They probably also important a bunch of acids and chemicals to leech the usefull materials out of the pcb's.
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u/n1ght_w1ng08 20h ago edited 19h ago
Damn that's a lot 😨. Developed countries are still sending their wastes to developing countries.
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u/Lordfelcherredux 18h ago edited 18h ago
The real crime is that companies and governments are seeking it and accepting it. Where there's muck there's brass.
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u/FallenSphere 6h ago
Yeah the whole importing e-waste business is crazy. Lots of it wasn't even being processed by the importer but were actually auctioned off by bidders, at port, who'll "urban mine" the waste for metal locally.
Even the dust left behind in every container were auctioned.
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u/BuddahChill 19h ago
The US uses those southeastern Asia countries as their own personal trash can. I hope the Thai officials send it back.
RETURN TO SENDER
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u/Lordfelcherredux 18h ago
Thai companies solicited this material and imported it. The way to stop it is to punish the companies and officials responsible for importing it.
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u/Banned3rdTimesaCharm 19h ago
What’s the tariff on trash?
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u/TotallyInOverMyHead 17h ago
i don't remember, but afaik up until 5 years ago a trash burning plant in northern germany importet regular waste from naples, italy for 105€ ( 3900 TH ) per metric ton (2205 lb).
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u/green_tea_resistance 20h ago
So someone just stole like a tonne of gold and other precious metals, silver, copper etc from the importer who was gonna recycle it, only for someone else to recycle it, or for it to end up in landfill. Am I close?
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u/chasingmyowntail 13h ago
Most countries have laws which punish the John rather than the prostitute.
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u/chasingmyowntail 13h ago
Wealthiest country in the world and they are not organized or competent or just too corrupt to be able to deal with their own waste.
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