Economy
Customs Officials Seize Smuggled Black Glutinous Rice in Phitsanulok
Thai Customs authorities intercepted 30,000 kilograms of foreign black glutinous rice valued at over 1.2 million baht, citing violations of the Customs Act.
On August 23, 2026, officials from the Customs Region 3 Investigation and Suppression Division intercepted a 22-wheel trailer truck on Highway 11 in Phitsanulok province. According to a report by Khaosod Online, the operation resulted in the seizure of 30,000 kilograms of black glutinous rice (Khao Kam) of foreign origin. The cargo, valued at approximately 1.2 million baht, lacked the necessary customs clearance documentation.
Authorities have seized the goods under the Customs Act of 2017 and transferred the case to the Mae Sot Customs House for further legal proceedings. This enforcement action aligns with the Customs Department’s ongoing strategy to curb the illegal importation of agricultural products in Northern Thailand, intended to protect domestic market fairness and national economic interests.
For residents and travelers, this incident highlights the strict enforcement of agricultural import regulations in the region. While this seizure focuses on large-scale commercial smuggling, it underscores the government's commitment to monitoring cross-border trade. It remains to be confirmed whether this specific seizure will lead to further investigations into the supply chain or if additional checkpoints will be established along the In Buri–Chiang Mai route. No further details regarding the driver or the intended destination of the shipment have been released at this time.