Thai authorities, who began a series of raids last month on factories accused of illegally importing and processing electronic waste, today said they may use special powers given to the military government to impose a total ban on the import of such potentially toxic materials.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Gen Surasak Karnjanarat said that he will lead an effort to amend the law to include such a ban.
He said if that proves impossible, the prime minister could invoke special powers he was given after the army seized power in 2014 to institute a ban.
Police today raided two factories on the outskirts of Bangkok accused of illegally processing electronic waste, and said they would be closed.