Sri Racha, THAILAND – Thai authorities have seized 22,200 kilograms of acetic acid at Laem Chabang port amid heightened efforts to disrupt the drug trade.
Unregistered chemical shipment intercepted
The confiscated 22.2 tonnes of acetic acid were discovered on 17 November 2025 at the port of Sri Racha in Chonburi province. According to officials, the shipment consisted of 740 drums, each weighing 30 kilograms, and originated from Hong Kong. It entered Thailand without the required import permit and without registration with the Department of Industrial Works.
The operation was the result of an intelligence-led investigation involving multiple agencies, including the Customs Department, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), the Department of Industrial Works, and the Narcotics Suppression Bureau. Authorities highlighted that acetic acid, while widely used in industry, is also considered a potential precursor for the production of methamphetamine and heroin.
The seizure forms part of the national anti-drug agenda announced by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, which prioritises disrupting drug trafficking networks. Under the leadership of Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphol Naowarat, the government has launched the “No Chemicals, No Drugs” campaign. During an inspection of the seized chemicals at Laem Chabang customs, the minister said:
“Our measures are intended to protect families, communities and public health. We will prevent dangerous substances from falling into the wrong hands.”
said Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphol Naowarat, Justice Minister.
He was accompanied by Pol. Col. Suriya Singhakamon, Secretary-General of the ONCB, Naris Niramaiwong, Governor of Chonburi, Pol. Lt. Gen. Acharya Kraithong, Commissioner of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, as well as Yuttana Poolpipat and Theeratat Isarangkun Na Ayutthaya, deputy director-generals of customs and the industrial works agency.
Strict controls on high‑risk industrial chemicals
Officials stressed that acetic acid is regulated as a Category 3 hazardous substance under Thailand’s Hazardous Substance Act B.E. 2535 (1992), requiring special approval for import. It also appears in Table II of the chemical list issued by the Ministry of Justice and the National Council for Peace and Order, aimed at preventing the misuse of such substances for illicit drug manufacture.
Although acetic acid is widely used in the production of plastics, rubber, paints and food products, authorities warned that it can also be employed to make drug precursors. Risks associated with uncontrolled imports include diversion to domestic or foreign drug laboratories, health and environmental hazards from improper handling, and additional burdens on law enforcement dealing with illegal supply chains.
The case is cited as an example of growing international cooperation under the Seaport Interdiction Task Force (SITF), a framework designed to intercept cross-border movements of drugs and related chemicals via maritime routes. Officials are now investigating which company ordered the shipment and its intended destination. Possible charges include illegal import of hazardous substances and violations of narcotics laws, with inquiries ongoing.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice underlined the broader objective of restricting chemical precursors, stating:
“Only through consistent control of chemical precursors can we dismantle international drug and smuggling networks.”
said a Ministry of Justice spokesperson.
Chonburi province, which includes Pattaya, is a key economic hub, and Laem Chabang is one of Southeast Asia’s largest import and export ports. Authorities say the interception underscores the importance of strict customs checks for regional security and the integrity of international trade routes, and have announced plans to further intensify inspections to block unregistered chemical imports.