Picture courtesy of The Nation

 

A staggering 8,000 tonnes of toxic waste have been uncovered in Prachin Buri, revealing a massive illegal recycling operation run by foreign nationals flouting Thai law.

 

The discovery was made during a joint raid led by the Industry Ministry’s taskforce, the "Sudsoi Team," under Industry Minister Akanat Promphan. The unauthorised factory in Sri Maha Phot district was found operating secretly despite previous shutdown orders.

 

“This site was functioning as an illicit private industrial estate,” stated Thitipas Chotdechachainun, who led the raid. The facility was divided into seven zones, each rented to mainly Chinese and Taiwanese operators without proper licenses.

 

Inside, officials found prohibited recycling machinery, wire scraps, auto parts, e-waste, circuit boards, and vast piles of toxic waste. "This wasn't just a rogue operation — it was a toxic empire," Thitipas remarked.

 

The facility, registered under Chanjira Suksatit and Yu-Li Yang, ignored shutdown directives, continuing illegal recycling and smelting activities. Although some buildings had licences, most operations violated environmental and industrial regulations.

 

The factory had subleased from a dissolved company, illegally splitting the land into zones for rent. The Provincial Industry Office has since halted unauthorised activities and seized machinery, materials, and products.

 

Minister Akanat emphasised the gravity of the offence, highlighting hazardous waste levels far exceeding legal limits. The case has been referred to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) due to the sheer volume of waste, over 50 tonnes across two sites.

 

Charges include illegal factory operations, unlawful expansion, possession of toxic substances, and defiance of government orders. “This is just the beginning,” Thitipas asserted. “We won’t stop until we eradicate every grey business polluting this country.”

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-19

 

 

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