Law
Authorities Raid Illegal Chinese-Operated Timber Mill in Thung Yai
Officials in Nakhon Si Thammarat discovered a clandestine timber processing operation hidden within a supposedly abandoned factory, involving Chinese-made machinery and large quantities of logs.
On August 14, 2026, a multi-agency task force, including the Nakhon Si Thammarat Natural Resources and Environment Office and local police, raided a factory in Thung Yai district. Although the facility had been officially closed for two years, authorities discovered it was being used for unauthorized timber processing and export operations.
Upon inspection, officials found that the factory had been meticulously cleaned to appear inactive. However, they uncovered 15 hidden rooms containing large logs and a warehouse secured with Chinese-language padlocks, which held finished wood products ready for shipment. The site was equipped with industrial machinery imported from China that had not been registered for use at the location. Workers present at the scene claimed the facility had been rented by Chinese nationals, though they stated they were unaware of the specific nature of the business.
For residents and visitors, this discovery highlights ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to curb illegal resource exploitation. While the site has been seized, the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are currently waiting for the owners to come forward to verify the legality of the operations and clarify the involvement of the Chinese nationals mentioned by the workers. No further details regarding the origin of the timber or the intended export destinations have been confirmed at this time.