Soy Milk Waste Dumped Into Canal, Worker & Owner Held

Picture courtesy of Matichon

Authorities have detained a factory worker and the owner of a soy milk production facility after they were caught dumping waste liquid into a public canal, following complaints from local residents. The incident occurred on 23 January and prompted immediate enforcement action by provincial officials. The case has been forwarded for legal proceedings.

The operation was led by the Rayong Provincial Damrongtham Centre after villagers reported suspected wastewater discharge into the Yai Ra public canal in Village 4, Samnak Thon subdistrict, Ban Chang district. The canal water was observed to be milky white and cloudy, resembling coconut milk or soy milk. The pollution raised concerns about environmental and public health impacts in the community.

According to officials, Mr Thanin Nuanchawee, Director of the Rayong Provincial Damrongtham Centre, assigned Mr Anuwat Amornrattanathamrong and a rapid response team to investigate the complaint. The inspection involved officers from the provincial and district Damrongtham centres, Ban Chang District Public Health Office, Chak Mak Subdistrict Municipality, local administrative officials, and the village head of Village 4. The joint team conducted on-site checks along the canal.

Investigators traced the source of the wastewater to a soy milk factory located in Phlu Ta Luang subdistrict, Sattahip district, Chonburi province, near the boundary with Ban Chang district in Rayong. During the inspection, officials found a factory worker actively pouring soy milk waste onto land adjacent to the public canal. Residual stains consistent with soy milk were found scattered across the area.

A pickup truck was also discovered at the site, with a large square liquid container secured in a metal cage on the rear bed. The container was believed to have been used to transport the waste liquid. Based on the evidence observed, authorities detained the worker involved at the scene.

Matichon reported that the factory owner was also taken into custody in connection with the incident. Both individuals were handed over to the relevant authorities to face legal action in accordance with established procedures. Officials confirmed that the case would proceed under applicable environmental and public health laws.

Key Takeaways

• Authorities detained a worker and factory owner on 23 January over illegal soy milk waste dumping.

• The wastewater was discharged into the Yai Ra public canal in Ban Chang district, Rayong.

• The case has been referred for legal proceedings following a multi-agency inspection.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Matichon 2026-01-24