Prachinburi closes Chinese e-waste plant in forest reserve

Prachinburi Governor Weerapant Dee-on has ordered the immediate closure of an allegedly illegal electronic-waste processing plant found operating inside the Khwae Rabom and Si Yat national forest reserve.

Officials seized machinery, equipment and materials from the site in Moo 7, Krok Sombun subdistrict, Si Maha Phot district, after finding it was operating without authorisation, the Prachinburi Provincial Industry Office said on 8 August 2026.

The inspection was ordered by the governor on 6 August and involved Si Maha Phot district officials, the provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office, and the Provincial Industry Office.

Complaints over forest encroachment

Concern emerged after Sumet Rianphongnam, leader of the Prachinburi Khemkhaeng civic group, posted photographs and videos online urging an investigation.

The group alleged that foreign investors had been allowed to set up an illegal operation to sort and process electronic waste within the Khwae Rabom and Si Yat national forest reserves.

The Prachinburi branch of Forest Resource Management Office 9 confirmed that the facility was inside the protected reserve. Inspectors found it sorting, shredding and compacting scrap metal, electrical wires and electronic components without permission.

Authorities ordered the operation to stop immediately and took the items found there as evidence.

The governor has also instructed officials to urgently examine the legality of land-title documents connected to the site. If documents were unlawfully issued or used, authorities will pursue legal action to protect community rights.

Risks to water, wildlife and nearby communities

The Khwae Rabom and Si Yat reserves were established under Ministerial Regulation No. 409 in 1969. They lie mainly in Sanam Chai Khet and Tha Takiap districts of Chachoengsao, extending into Si Maha Phot district of Prachinburi.

An estimated 700,000 to 850,000 rai remains protected by law. The forest forms part of eastern Thailand's five-province forest complex and provides habitat for wild elephants and other protected wildlife.

It is also the source of the Khwae Rabom and Khwae Si Yat rivers, which join Khlong Tha Lat before reaching the Bang Pakong River. The area includes Khlong Si Yat Reservoir, which holds about 420 million cubic metres of water.

Officials warned that illegal e-waste processing and hazardous chemical dumping could pollute groundwater and natural waterways, with potentially serious consequences for ecosystems, wildlife and public health.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

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9 August 2026

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