Thailand preparing total ban on import of electronic waste

A Thai law-enforcement officer unloads a box full of mobile batteries during a raid at a factory accused of importing and processing electronic waste in the suburbs of Bangkok, Thailand on June 21, 2018. AP

BANGKOK  — Thai authorities, who began a series of raids last month on factories accused of illegally importing and processing electronic waste, say they may use special powers given to the military government to impose a total ban on the import of such potentially toxic materials.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Gen. Surasak Karnjanarat said Thursday that he will lead an effort to amend the law to include such a ban. He said if that proves impossible, the prime minister could invoke special powers he was given after the army seized power in 2014 to institute a ban.

Police on Thursday raided two factories on the outskirts of Bangkok accused of illegally processing electronic waste, and said they would be closed.