Rayong Shuts Illegal Recycling Plant Over Water Pollution

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Authorities in Rayong province have ordered the immediate closure of a recycling factory accused of illegally drawing water from a public canal to wash waste and discharging untreated wastewater back into the same waterway. The action, taken on 18 December, aims to prevent environmental damage to connected water sources, including Dok Krai Reservoir, a key raw water supply for the province.

The operation was ordered by Rayong Governor Triyaphop Wongtrairat, who instructed the Rayong Damrongtham Centre to investigate following complaints from the Network of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Volunteers (Thosamor). The factory was reported to be located directly alongside a public canal and to have been operating without proper controls, raising concerns about pollution and public health risks.

Officials from multiple agencies joined the inspection, including the Rayong Provincial Industry Office, the Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment, the Damrongtham Centre of Nikhom Phatthana district, and Phana Nikhom Subdistrict Municipality. Investigators confirmed that the factory had been pumping canal water for internal waste washing before releasing polluted water back into the canal, which feeds into Dok Krai Reservoir.

Further checks revealed multiple legal violations. The operator did not hold a licence to trade in second-hand goods, lacked a factory operation licence and had no permit for operating a business deemed hazardous to public health, placing the activity in clear breach of several laws.

In response, authorities exercised legal powers to halt operations immediately. Phana Nikhom Subdistrict Municipality issued an order suspending the business, while Nikhom Phatthana district officials recorded an arrest and initiated legal proceedings for operating a second-hand goods business without permission.

The Rayong Provincial Industry Office separately ordered the factory to cease industrial operations and instructed the operator to remove machinery from the site without delay. Officials also ordered the closure of all drainage outlets leading from the premises into the public canal to prevent further environmental harm.

The case highlights ongoing concerns over illegal industrial activity near sensitive water resources in Rayong. Authorities warned that any future violations would result in strict legal action, underscoring the province’s stated commitment to protecting community water sources and environmental safety.

Daily News reported that relevant agencies are to continue monitoring the site to ensure compliance with closure orders and environmental safeguards. Further legal proceedings will follow established processes, while officials have reiterated that similar complaints will be investigated promptly to prevent risks to public health and natural resources.

Key Takeaways

• A recycling factory in Rayong was shut down on 18 December for illegally using and polluting a public canal.

• Inspectors found the operator lacked multiple required licences, including factory and hazardous business permits.

• Authorities ordered an immediate halt to operations, machinery removal, and legal proceedings.

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 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Dailynews 2025-12-19