Factory in Free Zone Caught Operating Illegally After Closure Order

[Georgealbert]

 

 

Authorities have uncovered illegal operations at a factory in a designated free zone in Chachoengsao Province, more than a year after it was ordered to cease activities. The Ministry of Industry has pledged to pursue legal action to the fullest extent.

 

On November 15, Mr. Ekanat Promphan, Minister of Industry, dispatched an inspection team led by Ms. Thitiphat Chotidetchaichanan, his chief of staff. The team included officials from the Department of Industrial Works (DIW), the Ministry of Industry Inspectorate Division, police from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division (NRECD), the Customs Department, and Chachoengsao’s provincial industrial office.

 

The team inspected P.C. Wood Products Co., Ltd., a facility in Plaeng Yao District that processes imported materials for export. Despite an official closure order issued in May 2023 for violating regulations under the Factory Act B.E. 2535, the factory was found operating illegally.

 

The factory had been ordered to cease operations on May 25, 2023, after failing to comply with licensing requirements. However, during the inspection, authorities discovered it had resumed activities, including the unauthorized installation of machinery and continuous operations.

 

Mr. Sarun Klin Sawat, managing director of P.C. Wood Products Co., Ltd., was arrested at the scene. He admitted to the violations and was charged with operating without proper authorisation.

 

Mr. Ekanat emphasised the importance of strict monitoring of high-risk factories, even in free zones, which benefit from privileges such as tax exemptions. “No factory is exempt from compliance with the law, regardless of its location or privileges,” he said.

 

Ms. Thitiphat added that the company had blamed delays in the licensing process but had made no real effort to meet the required standards over the past year. Instead, the factory had expanded operations and resumed production, knowing it was illegal.

 

“This is a clear violation of the law, and claims of delays in the approval process hold no weight,” she said. “We will ensure the case is prosecuted to prevent environmental and community harm in the future.”

 

Authorities have vowed to take further legal action to hold the violators accountable and prevent similar incidents.

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon

-- 2024-11-17