Chemical Barrels Unearthed at Sri Thep Waste Plant in Raids

[webfact]

 

Phetchabun police uncovered an alarming situation at an industrial waste treatment plant in Sri Thep district, where barrels filled with chemicals were found buried underground without proper treatment. This discovery may clarify why locals have recently reported a persistent and strong chemical odour.

 

The plant, operated by Aek Uthai Co, a company based in Phachi district, Ayutthaya province, was raided yesterday by police, pollution control authorities, and factory standard regulators.

 

The raid was conducted following an order from acting National Police Chief Kitrat Phanphet to investigate previous fires and suspected arson at several chemical storage warehouses.

 

Investigations have revealed connections between these incidents and either Aek Uthai Co or Win Process Co, headquartered in Rayong.

 

Assistant Police Chief Itthipol Atchariyapradit, who participated in the raid, confirmed that documents seized from the Sri Thep plant indicated links between this facility and other industrial sites in Ayutthaya and Nakhon Ratchasima. Additionally, Aek Uthai’s Sri Thep branch office was found to have ties with Win Process in Rayong.

 

Governor Krit Khongmuang of Phetchabun stated that officials had been inundated with complaints from residents about the chemical smell, believed to be originating from Aek Uthai’s plant. The governor noted that some villagers had fallen ill and required medical attention after inhaling the suspected chemical vapours.

 

“The company will likely face charges for possessing hazardous substances without permission, a violation of the Hazardous Substances Act."

 

The plant could lose its operating licence. Governor Krit also mentioned that provincial authorities are advocating for civil lawsuits against the company to ensure affected parties receive compensation. Samples of the chemicals found in the buried barrels, presumed to be toxic waste, have been sent for laboratory analysis.

 

In a statement, Krit emphasised the seriousness of the situation:

“This is a grave matter, and we will take all necessary legal actions to ensure the safety and health of our residents.”

 

Police are now focused on the broader implications of this discovery, particularly the potential environmental and health impacts on the local community. The investigation continues, with officials seeking to determine the full extent of the improper chemical disposal and any other illegal activities at the plant.

 

The findings from the lab analysis will be crucial in determining the toxicity levels of the chemicals and the potential harm they pose to the environment and public health.

 

Picture courtesy: Aeku Thai 

 

-- 2024-06-20

 

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[Georgealbert]

This is the link to the recent WinProcess incident in Rayong, which appears to be connected with this company, which dumped the waste, and also the 2 recent suspected arson fires in Ayutthaya.

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1325863-fire-sparks-arson-concerns-at-rayong-chemical-warehouse/page/2/

The owner/director of WinProcess was detained in custody, on the 2 June, by Rayong Provincial Court and a number of different premises have been raided. He faces many charges in different areas of the country.

 

These companies have been subject to legal action for poor procedures, lack of safety and no consideration for environmental impact , for over a decade.

 

Some details on the Ayutthaya fires in this thread.

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1326393-chemical-store-blaze-in-ayutthaya-triggers-evacuation-of-hospital-and-local-community/#comment-18885503

 

 

Edited June 20 by Georgealbert

[hotchilli]

When I see words like : could, and likely I know it's going nowhere.

[RobU]

Good investigative work by the police resulting in positive action against the company. Nice to see that the MD has been arrested and detained and will face charges, which is more than happens in the west when companies are investigated and prosecuted.

It seems that these corrupt organisations/people are only now being investigated because there is an elected government, they got away with it during the Junta reign

[john donson]

are that the thai rare minerals just discovered in thailand?

[RobU]

1 hour ago, RobU said:

Good investigative work by the police resulting in positive action against the company. Nice to see that the MD has been arrested and detained and will face charges, which is more than happens in the west when companies are investigated and prosecuted.

It seems that these corrupt organisations/people are only now being investigated because there is an elected government, they got away with it during the Junta reign

I wonder why the laughter emoji at my post above. Don't you have any courage to post why you think it is so funny