Authorities Uncover 20 Tons of Illegal Construction Waste in Rayong
Authorities found 20 tons of construction waste illegally dumped in Rayong's Ban Chang district from a data center project, prompting immediate removal orders and investigations to ensure environmental law compliance.
On September 9, Surin Vorakitdhammrong, director-general of the Pollution Control Department, announced that Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin had ordered a task force to investigate illegal industrial waste dumping in Ban Chang subdistrict, Ban Chang district, Rayong province, following public complaints of health problems and environmental harm. The task force, led by Lieutenant General Itthiphorn Phothitong, adviser to the minister, discovered construction waste from a data center project—including brick fragments, stone, limestone, plastic, and fiberglass—dumped and used as fill material across approximately 1-2 acres. Initial estimates put the waste requiring disposal at around 20 tons, contrary to earlier reports claiming 100,000 tons. The director-general stated that ongoing investigations will ensure corrections comply with applicable laws.
Lieutenant General Itthiphorn instructed Ban Chang Subdistrict Municipality to expedite removal of the waste by a licensed waste disposal contractor under close supervision to prevent environmental and public health impacts. The municipality confirmed removal would begin immediately and be completed within seven days. Additionally, Itthiphorn directed Rayong's Natural Resources and Environment Office to coordinate with the municipality in submitting data center project documentation to the Natural Resources and Environment Policy and Planning Office for formal review of whether an environmental impact assessment is required, ensuring the project and waste management comply with law and restore public confidence.
