Chonburi, Thailand – November 17th, 2025, Thai Customs officials, acting on prior intelligence, have seized 22,200 kilograms of acetic acid, a chemical precursor that can be used in the illegal production of methamphetamine and heroin, at Laem Chabang Port in Sri Racha.
The shipment, consisting of 740 drums (30 kg each), originated from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and entered Thailand without the required import permit or registration with the Department of Industrial Works.
The operation is part of the national agenda declared by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to make the suppression of narcotics a top government priority. Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphol Naowarat has led the policy’s implementation, pushing comprehensive measures to protect communities, families, and public health, including intensified efforts to block precursor chemicals from reaching drug production networks abroad under the slogan “No Chemicals, No Drugs.”
On Monday afternoon, Justice Minister Rutthaphol led a high-level delegation to inspect the seized goods at Laem Chabang Port Customs Office. The team included:
– Pol. Col. Suriya Singhakamon, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB)
– Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaiwong
– Pol. Lt. Gen. Acharya Kraithong, Commissioner of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau
– Yuttana Poolpipat, Deputy Director-General of the Customs Department
– Theeratat Isarangkun Na Ayutthaya, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works
Acetic acid is classified as a Type 3 hazardous substance under the Hazardous Substance Act B.E. 2535 (1992), requiring importers to register the substance and obtain an import license. It is also listed as a Table II chemical under Ministry of Justice regulations and the National Council for Peace and Order, enacted to prevent the diversion of chemicals for illegal drug manufacturing.
While acetic acid has legitimate industrial uses (plastics, rubber, dyes, food preservation, and organic synthesis), it can also serve as a reagent in the production of precursors for methamphetamine (“yaba” and crystal meth) and heroin. Authorities stressed that strict control of such dual-use chemicals is essential to disrupt transnational drug trafficking networks.
The seizure resulted from coordinated intelligence sharing between the Customs Department, ONCB, Department of Industrial Works, and Narcotics Suppression Bureau. It also reflects ongoing cooperation under the international Seaport Interdiction Task Force (SITF).
Authorities say the investigation continues into the importing company and the intended destination of the chemical shipment. Charges related to illegal importation of hazardous substances and violations of narcotics precursor controls are expected.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
