Thai Tire Firm Shut Down Over Hazardous Waste Violations

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

In a significant move to uphold environmental regulations, the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand has ordered the closure of Prince Chengshan Tire (Thailand) Co., Ltd. This decision follows the company's repeated illegal activities, notably transporting hazardous waste without the necessary permissions from its factory in Chon Buri.

The shutdown on July 31 signals a decisive stance against such violations that endanger public safety and environmental health. In 2024 alone, the company illegally moved over 65.94 tonnes of hazardous waste, raising alarms among authorities and the public.

Investigations by the Office of Industrial Product Standards highlighted further malpractices. The company was found producing substandard tyres, erasing crucial production dates and brand markings on the sidewalls. This breach led to the seizure of 10,300 tyres on March 18. Subsequent inspections on June 25 confirmed ongoing illegal waste transport and non-compliance with environmental laws.

Compounding these infractions, the company submitted false air quality reports and neglected to employ qualified personnel for handling gas and boiler operations, posing significant risks to both the factory and its wider community.

Due to these persistent violations and blatant disregard for regulatory orders, the Industrial Estate Authority decided to shut the factory indefinitely. The Department of Industrial Works has also revoked the company's Green Industry certification, with plans to withdraw their air quality lab's certification as well.

This closure is part of a broader crackdown. On June 10, the Ministry of Industry and the Consumer Protection Police Division discovered over 74,504 tyres in Rayong, with erased production dates and branding, valued at over 233.3 million baht (approximately US$6.9 million). These tyres were likely concealed to dodge detection, representing a major threat to public safety and potentially harming the national economy.

In response to this alarming trend, the Ministry of Industry is executing a comprehensive inspection of tyre factories and retailers across Thailand. This initiative seeks to prevent the distribution of substandard tyres. Citizens are urged to inspect tyres for an eco sticker, which signifies compliance with Thai Industrial Standards (TIS). Tyres lacking this sticker should be considered inferior and reported via the Jao Autt application for enforcement.

This situation underscores the critical importance of regulatory compliance and the potential ramifications of neglecting environmental and safety standards. The authorities' actions send a strong message to industries about the need for transparency and adherence to regulations.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-07