Environmental Crime: A Study of Plastic Waste Smuggling in Thailand
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Abstract
Environmental Crime: a study of the crime prevention on plastic waste smuggling in Thailand aimed to identify the crime patterns of plastic waste smuggling in Thailand and suggest crime prevention strategies for enhancing the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes under the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes. This research used qualitative research methods, collected data from documents and related research, and conducted in-depth interviews with 16 expert opinions, including key informants from the Customs Department, the Royal Thai Police, the Pollution Control Department, the Department of Special Investigation, judges, prosecutors, and civil society (2 representatives from each unit). The results found that the pattern of environmental crimes in the case of smuggling plastic waste is document fraud by false declarations. The cargo originates from almost every region of the countries of the world, especially developed countries. The offenses are factories that violate the conditions of the Department of Industrial Works and factories that are established without a factory operation license and a license to possess hazardous substances. The characteristics of perpetrators and accomplices are mostly foreign investors and influential Thai groups who hire Thais to hold shares according to the criteria for foreign shareholding. The approach to crime prevention is to integrate the prevention and suppression of network crimes in the country and abroad, support public awareness and participation in preventing environmental crimes, inspect and emphasize transparency in the work of law enforcement officers, punishment and provide compensation to those affected by environmental crimes and access to justice for the public.
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