Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

The Minister of Industry, Ekanat Promphan, has ordered the immediate suspension of four recycling factories in Samut Sakhon’s Maha Chai district following serious environmental violations. The decision comes after complaints from local residents in Na Khok subdistrict, who reported severe pollution affecting their livelihoods, particularly salt farming, which has been impacted by contamination turning their salt black.

 

Ekanat stated that investigations revealed these factories were responsible for heavy metal emissions, airborne soot, and wastewater discharge, which seeped into the surrounding salt fields. There were also reports of strong odours, particularly at night when industrial furnaces were in operation.

 

In response, a special inspection team, led by Thitiphat Chotidechachainan, head of the minister’s working group, and Ekniti Romyanont, an inspector from the Department of Industrial Works, conducted on-site checks. They found evidence of improper waste management practices and violations of environmental regulations. Notably, one of the factories had previously been ordered to suspend operations but had resumed activities illegally.

 

The four factories facing immediate closure are:

 

1. Zheng Qiu (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

2. Kijrungreungthavorn Co., Ltd.

3. Amornprasert Co., Ltd.

4. Wichanee Industrial Site.

 

Authorities found multiple violations, including failure to obtain permits for waste transportation and improper handling of industrial by-products. Consequently, all four factories have been ordered to suspend operations and rectify the issues within 60 days without the possibility of an extension.

 

Minister Ekanat emphasised that the government would not tolerate repeated violations and is considering stricter regulations on pollution control in the recycling and waste management industries.

 

Further investigations uncovered additional illegal activities at each factory:

 

• Zheng Qiu (Thailand) Co., Ltd. was found to be operating without proper authorisation and illegally dumping industrial plastic waste and wastewater outside its premises.

 

• Kijrungreungthavorn Co., Ltd. was found to have unsafe factory conditions, improperly installed machinery, and evidence of illegal industrial waste burial.

 

• Amornprasert Co., Ltd. was found to have buried approximately 35,000 tonnes of suspected aluminium dross, a hazardous industrial by-product.

 

• Wichanee Industrial Site was found to have buried approximately 30 tonnes of the same hazardous waste.

 

None of the factories had obtained permission to transport hazardous waste, and all were found to be illegally storing or burying it on their premises, constituting unauthorised possession of hazardous substances.

 

Authorities have seized over 35,000 tonnes of suspected aluminium dross and sent samples for scientific analysis. If confirmed as hazardous waste, the factories will face legal action for unauthorised possession of hazardous materials, which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both.

 

Additionally, the factories will be required to properly dispose of the hazardous waste in compliance with environmental safety regulations. Further legal action will be taken if they fail to comply.

 

Thitiphat Chotidechachainan urged other businesses to adhere strictly to environmental laws, warning that the government would continue to enforce strict measures to protect both the environment and public health.

 

This crackdown marks a significant step in Thailand’s efforts to tackle industrial pollution and reinforce stricter environmental compliance in the recycling sector.

 

-- 2025-03-09

 

 

What is the betting these 4 (plus many others) are owned by Chinese

On 3/9/2025 at 3:20 AM, Georgealbert said:

Ekanat stated that investigations revealed these factories were responsible for heavy metal emissions, airborne soot, and wastewater discharge, which seeped into the surrounding salt fields. There were also reports of strong odours, particularly at night when industrial furnaces were in operation.

Good, dirty factories polluting the environment

Dirty Thailand👎

I see no "Recycling" going on here. Looks only like waste incineration.