Factory Executive Arrested for Hazardous Materials in Phetchabun Plant

[snoop1130]

 

Thai authorities have arrested an executive from Win Process, a chemical waste storage factory, for illegal possession of hazardous materials. The executive, called Ophas, was detained while travelling to another factory in Phetchabun Province. Authorities caught up with him following an arrest warrant issued by the Map Ta Phut Police Station in Rayong Province, where Win Process is located.

 

A subsequent inspection of another plant, unrelated to Win Process, revealed large amounts of chemicals in the warehouse. The Rayong Province Governor, Traiphop Wongtrairat, along with industrial officials, were part of the inspection team that discovered the hazardous substances and pressed charges.

 

Ophas faces these charges and is likely to be implicated in roughly 14 additional cases. He is currently being held at the Map Ta Phut Police Station and is expected to appear in court today.

 

Further investigation of another Win Process factory in Rayong led to the discovery of many documents. Authorities will examine these documents to identify the origin of the involved chemicals, which will aid legal proceedings.

 

In response to the situation, Danainat Chokamnuay, adviser to the Minister of Industry, visited the Win Process factory to track its progress in addressing the issues. During the visit, his team also distributed 400 relief bags for residents impacted by the hazardous materials.

 

Chokamnuay noted that as the rainy season is approaching, they are particularly concerned about the chemical water trap. Immediate steps will be taken to strengthen the factory's earthen dike while also addressing the aluminium dross problem.

 

Sunthorn Kaewsawang, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works, stated that their plan involves quick chemical treatment. However, the process has been slowed down due to financial disagreements raised by the defendants. Despite this, Kaewsawang reassures they will accelerate efforts to resolve the situation as soon as possible.

 

Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

 

-- 2024-05-29

 

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[Georgealbert]

Win Process is the company responsible for the illegal chemical waste factories, which have been involved in recent fires and required evacuations because of chemical plumes over local communities, in Rayong and Ayutthaya.

 

Rayong on 22 April, previous thread and details of that fire and the ongoing contamination is below.

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1325863-fire-sparks-arson-concerns-at-rayong-chemical-warehouse/

Ayutthaya's Phachi district Fires on 1 May and 29 February, link below

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1326393-chemical-store-blaze-in-ayutthaya-triggers-evacuation-of-hospital-and-local-community/?_fromLogin=1

 

It was also reported on AN on Monday, that the Thai police were investigating these fires as possible arson.

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1328243-thai-police-investigate-suspected-arson-in-warehouse-fires/#comment-18943497