Arada Fuangtong, Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT), reaffirmed strict enforcement of import bans on waste and hazardous materials. Based on Pollution Control Department recommendations, Ministry of Commerce regulations strictly prohibit municipal waste, e-waste, plastic scraps, used tires, and rubber scraps from entering Thailand.

∙ Stopping the problem at its source
To tackle the issue at its source, the DFT has taken a proactive approach by collaborating with foreign embassies in Thailand. The embassies are requested to help monitor and notify exporters in origin countries to strictly comply with Thailand’s import laws and bans, serving as a key mechanism to stop illegal waste shipments before they depart.

∙ Tighter controls at home
Domestically, the DFT is partnering with the Customs, Pollution Control, and Industrial Works departments to tighten import controls, prevent false declarations—such as scrap metal mixed with e-waste—and implement Joint Inspections.

At the same time, the department still facilitates the legal import of high-quality scrap metals for industry, ensuring transparency while protecting public health and preventing Thailand from becoming a foreign dumping ground.

Legal trade is welcome. Illegal waste is not.