Environmental Police Raid Chinese-Owned Factory Defying Closure Order

[Georgealbert]

 

 

Thai environmental police (PTSP) launched a major operation on November 2, in collaboration with the Department of Industrial Works (DIW), targeting a Chinese-funded recycling factory in Prachinburi province that was defying an official closure order. The raid led to the seizure of approximately 41.5 tons of hazardous chemicals. Authorities have warned that these substances, if exposed to water, could produce ammonia gas, posing serious health risks, including cancer.

 

The operation was led by Police Major General Watcharin Pusit, head of the PTSP, and supported by Deputy Commander Police Colonel Arune Watchiraseesukanya and other senior officers. They arrested 46-year-old Zhang Goutong, a Chinese national, who was charged with illegal possession of Type 3 hazardous materials.

 

The raid took place at a recycling facility located at 62 Moo 10, Sri Maha Pho Subdistrict, Prachinburi Province. Officials confiscated a wide range of dangerous substances, including antimony and its compounds, beryllium, cadmium, lead, selenium, tellurium, arsenic, mercury, and thallium, totaling 41.5 tons. These hazardous materials, typically regulated under stringent controls, can lead to severe health consequences upon exposure.

 

The factory had previously been inspected by officials from the Pollution Control Department, and the Provincial Office of Industry, leading to its initial closure for violating Thailand’s Factory Act of 1992. Despite this order, officials recently received reports that the facility continued to operate illegally, prompting the raid. Media coverage further revealed evidence of the factory’s ongoing activity, which ultimately led to the enforcement action.

 

Zhang, who served as an engineer and site manager, was taken into custody, and the seized hazardous materials were recorded as evidence. Additionally, the authorities identified two other unauthorised factories in the area, which will face further legal action.

 

According to experts, the confiscated materials are particularly dangerous. If they come into contact with water, they can release ammonia, which, if inhaled, causes dizziness and could potentially lead to cancer with prolonged exposure. The hazardous materials are expected to be separated for lead, copper, and aluminum extraction before being returned to China.

 

Legal proceedings are underway, and officials plan to file additional charges against the factories for multiple regulatory violations. This operation underscores Thailand’s firm stance on enforcing environmental laws to safeguard public health and the environment.

 

Picture courtesy of PTSP

-- 2024-11-03

 

 

[Geoffggi]

Compulsory closure of the factory & prosecution of all management & owners 

[Tidal wave]

How can it possibly come into contact with water its not raining.

[watchcat]

59 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

a Chinese-funded recycling factory in Prachinburi province

 

Keep your <deleted> in China don't bring it here.