Chachoengsao: Ekkanat Promphan, Minister of Industry, has taken decisive action in line with government policy, deploying 'Team Sud Soi' to dismantle illegal factories in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The initiative aims to combat the industrial waste import gang and address the covert burial of toxic waste in Chachoengsao-Rayong, under the directive 'Close the Door and Beat the Devil'.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, Deputy Government Spokesperson, announced that the government, spearheaded by Mr. Ekkanat, is intensifying efforts to curb the smuggling of industrial waste and illegal factory operations in the EEC. This is part of a broader strategy to elevate Thai industry standards, eradicate illicit enterprises, and ensure environmental safety for the public.
Mr. Ekkanat highlighted that the EEC region has become a hotspot for recycling factories engaged in unlawful activities, such as the improper disposal and smuggling of industrial waste. These actions have resulted in environmental harm and public distress. Consequently, Mr. Ekkanat has tasked the Ministry of Industry's Sut Soi team, along with other relevant agencies, to conduct thorough inspections and expand their investigations. In Plaeng Yao District, Chachoengsao Province, over 50,000 tons of industrial waste were discovered illegally buried on private land. This operation was linked to gray capitalists masquerading as legitimate recyclers, complete with a bribery scheme involving politicians, civil servants, and local officials. The implicated factories have ties to the landowners where the waste was concealed.
Additionally, authorities uncovered a network smuggling scrap tires from Cambodia for unauthorized recycling in the forest area of Kham Kho Subdistrict, Khao Chamao District, Rayong Province. This operation, lacking proper permits, misused forest land under the NBTC project. Arrests included both Chinese and Thai suspects, as well as illegal foreign workers. The Sudsoi team gathered evidence such as machinery, raw materials, and scrap tires, furthering their investigation to prosecute all parties involved to the fullest extent of the law. Efforts are also underway to revoke land leasing rights in the forest area to prevent future abuses.
Ms. Sasikarn reiterated the government's commitment to eliminating gray businesses in the industrial sector, paving the way for sustainable growth of compliant green industries and private enterprises.