Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

The Industry Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana has ordered the closure of two factories in Rayong province after a special inspection team discovered over 100,000 tonnes of contaminated industrial waste illegally dumped and buried on-site. The “Full Force Task Unit” of the Ministry of Industry, led by ministry officials Thapakorn Kulcharoen, advisor Ploylapat Singtothong, and Rayong industry chief Weera Nantaset, conducted the inspection following community complaints about pollution, waste and water contamination in Nikhom Phatthana district.

 

The investigation targeted two companies. The first was licensed to recycle non-hazardous materials and produce concrete blocks, while the second was involved in the trade and recycling of rubber and related products. However, inspectors found that one of the factories had been operating without proper authorisation, installing machinery and conducting waste treatment without a licence. Officials discovered more than 100,000 tonnes of industrial sludge and powder waste, believed to be untreated, buried within the premises and across an adjacent 46-rai plot.

 

Samples of soil, sludge and water were collected for laboratory testing. Authorities expressed concern that rainfall could spread hazardous substances into nearby soil and water sources, posing risks to local residents. The ministry warned that if the waste is confirmed to be toxic, legal action will be taken under all relevant industrial and environmental laws. Companies have been ordered to rectify the situation immediately or face prosecution for non-compliance.

 

The Rayong Provincial Industrial Office has officially suspended the operations of both factories and initiated legal proceedings. Operating an unlicensed factory carries a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both. In the second case, officials found the company’s activities did not match its registered licence type, also constituting an unlicensed operation. Inspectors noted piles of used tyres, shredded rubber and unregistered machinery on the site.

 

Thapakorn Kulcharoen said the minister had repeatedly emphasised the importance of responsible industrial operations, calling the manufacturing sector the “lifeblood of the Thai economy.” He warned that any operators found violating environmental or industrial regulations would face full legal enforcement. “Minister Thanakorn will not tolerate any actions that harm people or the environment. Businesses must comply with the law or face decisive action,” he stated.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Officials found more than 100,000 tonnes of industrial waste illegally dumped in Rayong factories.

• Two sites were shut down, with soil and water samples sent for contamination testing.

• The Industry Ministry vowed strict enforcement against all unlawful industrial operations.

 

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Naewna 2025-11-02

 

 

 

 

This is the tip of an iceberg. Illegal or unauthorised waste disposal has been going on around Rtong for decades – largely with impunity.

 

I remember learning that up to 50% of industrial waste in the area is disposed of in unsuitable sites – like landfill.

Local farmers and fishermen are continually protesting about pollution of air, soil and water in the region, which has some of the highest cancer rates in Thailand.

About 20 years ago the government shut down about 65 factories on the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate.

 

The problem is that this kind of operation is big and hard to conceal – so it isn't a matter of detection and enforcement; it is whether or not the authorities can be bothered to do anything about it.

 

On top of this, foreigners who have invested in property and retire or live there seem blithely unaware of the pollution they are sitting in or on top of.

 

 a digital grunt! - Sounds like an expat has just realised his house is built on industrial waste!

On 11/1/2025 at 10:59 PM, Georgealbert said:

The Industry Ministry vowed strict enforcement against all unlawful industrial operations.

 

Hope this is not only emty talk.