Illegal Chinese-Backed Lumber Mill Raided in Thung Yai

Authorities raided an illegal wood-processing factory with Chinese backing in Thung Yai district, posing as an abandoned mill. Officers discovered massive logs hidden in 15 concealed rooms and large quantities of Chinese machinery. All seized materials are being held pending the owner's appearance.

On August 14, 2025, Kriangsak Nobnanth, director of the Natural Resources and Environment Office of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, joined with provincial industry officials, Thung Yai district administration, forest police, Forest Resources Management Unit 12, and Thung Yai Provincial Police to announce inspection results. The wood-processing factory had been officially closed for two years but was still engaged in illegal wood processing of unauthorized types and unauthorized wood exports for shipment.

The facility appeared clean and undisturbed during initial inspection, but officers discovered large quantities of logs hidden in darkened sealed rooms—more than 15 rooms total—each containing substantial amounts of lumber. Further inspection of the building revealed imported wood-processing machinery with all labels in Chinese; industry officials confirmed no import permits had been filed for this equipment.

A large sealed warehouse locked with Chinese-language padlocks was also found; staff had to climb the wall to inspect it and discovered finished wood products ready for shipment in the form of plywood sheets and panels in large quantities.

When questioned, workers who came to open the facility stated that Chinese nationals had requested to continue leasing the property but workers were unaware of their activities. Officials seized all materials and filed charges including illegal wood-product manufacturing, equipment importation for processing operations, using the facility under false pretenses as a rubber wood buyer, and possession of large quantities of illegally obtained timber. The owner is expected to appear for further proceedings.