Chachoengsao's Toxic Legacy: 1,000 Litres of Waste Unearthed

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

In Chachoengsao province, Thailand, a buried environmental concern has resurfaced with the unearthing of 1,000 litres of industrial waste. Despite the discovery in 2022, no legal action had been initiated until now. The Ministry of Industry has promised a thorough investigation.

Yesterday, the EARTH Foundation revealed the disturbing find at an illegal dump site in the Hua Samrong subdistrict of the Plaeng Yao district. The waste was initially detected by officials last year but remained without disposal or prosecution. Dr Manaswee Hengsuwan, a geologist, detailed how machinery revealed a black, foul-smelling liquid from beneath the soil.

The Department of Groundwater Resources spearheaded the operation on June 21, digging a well on private land to assess contamination from past industrial activities. The excavation unveiled soft, odorous ground, hinting at water contamination.

Dr Manaswee described the site, questioning the depth of the burial. The soil’s oily scent raised red flags about hazardous pollutants seeping into the environment. This initiative forms part of a water quality project targeting regions plagued by illegal waste disposal and factories with poor records.

The situation dates back to reports of industrial dumping. In September 2022, local media highlighted a 10-rai site that had functioned as a waste landfill, which caught fire, spreading hazardous water and odours.

The story took another turn when it emerged that a local entrepreneur had attempted to secure permits to operate a waste sorting business but failed to submit the necessary application. As a result, the subdistrict held no official records, compounding the problem.

Upon further inspection, it was found that the land lacked any necessary permits pertaining to waste management and factory operations. Although officials had aimed to prosecute under relevant laws, no tangible action followed, leaving the waste buried until the recent excavation.

Yesterday's inspection by local authorities and the Chachoengsao industrial office brought a renewed focus on accountability. Dr Manaswee expressed doubts about the 2022 legal proceedings and compliance, revealing enforcement's past ineffectiveness.

Thitiphat Chotidechachainan, leading the Ministry of Industry’s investigation team, assured actions against negligent officials, emphasising the need for rigorous enforcement. The community now braces for the environmental impact while awaiting overdue justice in this unfolding environmental saga.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-23