Chachoengsao: Ekkanat Promphan, the Minister of Industry, has taken a decisive lead in the excavation of nearly 50,000 tons of toxic waste buried in Chachoengsao Province, as a part of a crackdown on illegal waste disposal practices. The operation signifies a strong stance against illegal factories and gray capital, with a commitment to closing down offending operations.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Ekkanat, along with Mr. Nattapol Rangsitpol, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, visited Tambon Hua Samrong, Amphoe Plaeng Yao, in response to residents' complaints. The local population had alerted authorities after discovering black liquid and large bags of industrial waste during a groundwater project. The waste emitted a strong odor, posing health and environmental risks.
The Department of Groundwater Resources, which has been monitoring water quality in areas with illegal waste dumping, identified Chachoengsao Province as a key area of concern. Officials have drilled and installed observation wells to detect potential chemical leaks. Previous inspections revealed that the Chachoengsao Provincial Industry Office and the Department of Industrial Works had already taken legal action against the landowner in 2022 for illegal waste dumping. Following a fire, further inspections uncovered more than 30,000 tons of hazardous waste, prompting orders for its removal.
Mr. Ekkanat reported that recent inspections on an 11-rai plot of land uncovered vast amounts of hidden industrial waste. Preliminary calculations estimate that digging at least three meters deep could reveal over 47,399 tons of waste. The investigation aims to determine why previous disposal orders were not fully executed and to scrutinize the involvement of officials in the oversight or negligence of the site.
The Minister emphasized the complexity of the illegal waste dumping process, suggesting the need for cooperation with the Department of Special Investigation. The landowner faces prosecution, and the Ministry of Industry is advocating for a new Industrial Waste Management Act to tighten regulations and impose stricter penalties on gray and black market operations. The investigation will extend to identify any illegal waste transportation from other areas to this site. The Department of Industrial Works plans to announce new policies on establishing and expanding recycling plants and will conduct stringent inspections across all recycling facilities nationwide.