Authorities Seize Electronic Waste Mixed with Recyclables in Rayong Warehouse
Rayong authorities seized electronic circuit boards mixed with recyclable materials in a warehouse operating without a factory license. The Pollution Control Department, alongside industry and environmental officials, inspected five warehouses belonging to Rayong Industrial Company Limited and found machinery indicating illegal industrial activity. Investigators are tracing the source of the waste through labels on imported containers and will pursue legal action against those responsible.
On October 13, 2026, Minister Suttha Chonklin directed the Pollution Control Department (PCD) to examine a rented warehouse in Nikhom Phatthana District, Rayong Province, following reports of containers and suspected industrial waste being piled up. The inspection revealed assorted recyclable items—such as electrical cables, plastics, aluminium scrap, paper scraps, wood scraps, and steel scrap—mixed with electronic circuit boards. Machines for size separation, shredding, and copper separation using water were also found, indicating an unlicensed factory operation as the operators could not present a factory license (Or.4). Officers from the PCD, Rayong Provincial Industry Office, Rayong Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office, the Dhamma Centre, and local agencies inspected five of the fifteen warehouses belonging to Rayong Industrial Company Limited, specifically warehouses 7, 8, 10, 12, and 14. Samples of waste and wastewater were taken from warehouse 14 for analysis, and the industry office has seized the items found in all five warehouses. In warehouse 8, investigators discovered a label on a waste pile showing an imported container number and weight, which may help trace the material’s origin. The PCD will coordinate with relevant agencies to gather information on the cargo owners, transport companies, and container sources, and to expand the investigation to identify all involved parties. The department pledged to continue cooperation with all concerned agencies to verify facts and prevent risks from improper storage or handling of waste that could affect the environment and public health, emphasizing strict adherence to evidence and legal authority.
