Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

Two steel manufacturing plants in Prachinburi province have been found in violation of several environmental and industrial regulations following inspections by a multi-agency task force. The government has vowed to intensify its crackdown on substandard steel production and questionable business operations that undermine industrial safety and fair competition.

 

Mr. Akanat Promphan, Minister of Industry, confirmed that he authorised Ms. Thitiphat Chotidechachainan, his chief advisor and head of the Ministry’s “Final Mile Task Force” (also known as Team Sudsoi), to lead the inspections. The operations were carried out in collaboration with the Department of Industrial Works, the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI), the Trade Competition Commission, the Consumer Protection Police Division, and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

 

The inspections targeted Thai Xing Steel Co. Ltd. and Yongxing Steel (Thailand) Co. Ltd., located in Hua Wa Subdistrict, Si Maha Phot District. The investigation aimed to determine whether the facilities were operating in compliance with environmental standards, licensing regulations, and industrial product specifications.

 

Initial findings revealed a range of violations at both facilities. Environmental issues were among the top concerns, with improper waste handling and unauthorised use of machinery reported. Additionally, both companies were found to be operating outside their permitted zones by processing scrap metal and electronic waste.

 

TISI has collected steel samples for further quality testing in collaboration with the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand.

 

Ms. Thitiphat elaborated that Thai Xing Steel Co. Ltd., which manufactures wire rods and structural steel with a production capacity of 5,873 tonnes per day, was found to have waste sludge from its coolant system improperly stored, contrary to its approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report. Authorities issued a formal order for corrective action.

 

At Yongxing Steel (Thailand) Co. Ltd., which produces billets and wire-based products such as welding rods, nails, and wire mesh (with a capacity of 3,060 tonnes per day), inspectors discovered unapproved changes to machinery and unauthorised industrial waste operations. These breaches carry potential penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both under Thailand’s Factory Act.

More alarmingly, Yongxing Steel was also found to have imported over 40,000 tonnes of scrap metal contaminated with electronic waste and plastic residues from abroad. This material, classified as hazardous under Type 3 of the Hazardous Substances Act, was seized by authorities. The company faces criminal charges for illegal possession of dangerous waste.

 

All seized materials have been documented at the Rabo Phai Police Station in Prachinburi.

 

Ms. Thitiphat reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to enforcing legal standards and eliminating unsafe or unregulated practices in the steel industry. “These inspections serve not only to enforce compliance but to signal that substandard steel production and shady ‘zero-value’ business operations will no longer be tolerated. We aim to protect public safety, ensure transparency, and modernise our industrial sector for a sustainable and competitive future,” she said.

 

The results of the steel quality tests are expected in due course.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-03.

 

 

 

 

She things really are 3rd world here.....!

Thailand should play it safe and import all their steel requirements from Pakistan.