Chiang Saen Customs seize 16.5 tonnes of pork from China on Sept 17
Pork worth an estimated THB1.53 million was found in a container declared as fresh vegetables, according to Thailand’s Public Relations Department
- On September 17, Thai customs officials seized over 16.5 tonnes of pork that had been imported from China.
- The pork, valued at THB1.53 million, was found concealed in a container that was falsely declared as a shipment of fresh vegetables.
- The illegal shipment was discovered after an X-ray scan revealed irregularities and a weight discrepancy, which led to a physical inspection.
- The goods were impounded for legal proceedings for violating customs, animal epidemic, and food safety laws.
Chiang Saen customs officers seized more than 16.5 tonnes of pork imported from China on September 17, 2026, after discovering it concealed in a container declared as fresh vegetables, according to the Public Relations Department’s Region 3 office. The inspection uncovered 379 boxes of undeclared pork weighing 16,514.1kg, with an estimated value of THB1.53 million.
Container declared as three types of vegetables
Import documents listed 930 boxes of beetroot, pak choi and green coral lettuce, with a declared net weight of 18,850kg.
Chiang Saen customs officers identified irregularities in the container submitted for clearance and sent it for X-ray screening at Mae Sai Customs House. Unusual patterns in the scan and a weight discrepancy against the documents prompted a detailed physical inspection involving relevant agencies.
The joint inspection found some fresh vegetables matching the declaration, alongside the concealed pork, which had not been listed in the import documents.
Pork impounded for legal proceedings
Customs officers seized and impounded the pork for legal proceedings. Authorities said the suspected offences fell under the Customs Act 2017, the Animal Epidemics Act 2015 and the Food Act 1979.
The Public Relations Department’s Region 3 office described the operation as a coordinated inspection of agricultural imports aimed at preventing smuggling, reducing animal disease risks, maintaining food safety standards and protecting domestic farmers.
