Customs & Livestock Seize 32 Containers of Illegal Chicken Feet: 840,000kg

MGR Online•Society•12h ago

Reader Briefing

Thai authorities have seized 32 containers suspected of illegally importing over 840,000 kg of chicken feet, with charges of false declaration and potential links to international syndicates under investigation.

•The Customs Department and Livestock Department seized 32 suspect containers at Laem Chabang Port.
•The shipment, totaling over 840,000 kg, was falsely declared as frozen food but is believed to be illegal chicken feet.
•Investigations are underway to identify importers, potential foreign syndicates, and any involved officials, with strict legal action promised.

Overview

•On January 17, officials from the Customs Department and Livestock Department announced the seizure of 32 suspect containers.
•Customs officials and Livestock Department officials jointly inspected and seized 32 suspect import containers at Laem Chabang Port.
•This action followed a complaint filed with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) by Mr. Acharia R Thamphong, citing suspicions of illegal chicken feet importation.
•The imported goods were declared as frozen food, but investigations indicated they were likely frozen chicken feet illegally imported from Malaysia and China, using false declarations and without permits.
•Seizures commenced on January 21, 2026, with 5 containers, followed by 26 on January 22, 2026, and 1 on February 14, 2026, totaling 32 containers.
•The seized goods are estimated to weigh over 700,000 kg from Malaysia and over 143,000 kg from the People's Republic of China.
•Phanu Limwongyut, Director of Laem Chabang Port Customs Office, stated that the office is investigating facts regarding officials' involvement and will prosecute those behind the scheme.
•Importing meat without proper permits and documentation poses risks of animal disease outbreaks, affects consumer safety, and creates unfair competition for law-abiding operators.

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Key Quotes

Phanu Limwongyut

"The office is not neglecting this and is investigating the facts according to the process. We confirm that we will accelerate the investigation to uncover those behind the scheme and prosecute them strictly. If any state officials are found to be in violation, disciplinary action will be taken to the fullest extent."

สำนักงานฯ ไม่ได้นิ่งนอนใจและอยู่ระหว่างตรวจสอบข้อเท็จจริงตามกระบวนการ โดยยืนยันว่าจะเร่งสืบสวนขยายผลถึงผู้ที่อยู่เบื้องหลังขบวนการ พร้อมดำเนินคดีตามกฎหมายอย่างเด็ดขาด หากพบเจ้าหน้าที่รัฐกระทำผิดจะดำเนินการทางวินัยอย่างถึงที่สุด

Ratchaphon Insuk

"The import of all types of meat must be approved by the regulatory agency with documents certifying the source and correct disease inspection results. Violators face imprisonment not exceeding 2 years and a fine not exceeding 200,000 Baht."

การนำเข้าเนื้อสัตว์ทุกชนิดต้องได้รับอนุญาตจากหน่วยงานกำกับดูแล พร้อมเอกสารรับรองแหล่งที่มาและผลตรวจโรคอย่างถูกต้อง หากฝ่าฝืนมีโทษทั้งจำคุกไม่เกิน 2 ปี ปรับไม่เกิน 200,000 บาท

Key Entities

Organization

Customs Department(กรมศุลกากร)ℹ️

A Thai government agency responsible for customs and trade border control, involved in seizing illegal imports.

Department of Livestock Development(กรมปศุสัตว์)ℹ️

A Thai government agency responsible for animal health, welfare, and the livestock industry, involved in inspecting animal product imports.

Department of Special Investigation (DSI)(กรมสอบสวนคดีพิเศษ)ℹ️

A Thai law enforcement agency responsible for investigating special cases, which received the complaint leading to the seizure.

Place

Laem Chabang Port(ท่าเรือแหลมฉบัง)ℹ️

A major deep-sea port in Thailand where suspect containers were seized.

Malaysia(ประเทศมาเลเซีย)ℹ️

One of the countries identified as the source of the suspected illegally imported chicken feet.

People's Republic of China(สาธารณรัฐประชาธิปไตยประชาชนจีน)ℹ️

One of the countries identified as the source of the suspected illegally imported chicken feet.

Person

Mr. Acharia R Thamphong(นายอัจฉริยะ เรืองรัตนพงศ์)

The individual who filed a complaint with the DSI regarding the suspected illegal import of chicken feet and requested the seizure of containers.

Mr. Phanu Limwongyut(นายภาณุ ลิ้มวงศ์ยุติ)

Director of Laem Chabang Port Customs Office, who commented on the investigation and commitment to legal action.

Mr. Ratchaphon Insuk(น.สพ.รัชพล อินทร์สุข)

Acting Head of Chonburi Animal Quarantine Station, who explained the regulations and penalties for importing meat.