Environment Minister Vows to Punish Polluting Factories in Prachinburi
Environment Minister Suwatchai Chommern refused a settlement offer from a Prachinburi factory owner accused of illegal toxic discharge and vowed to push for legal changes that would give the Pollution Control Department stronger inspection, penalty, and asset‑seizure powers. He said he has filed a criminal complaint with local police and will not tolerate any violations, insisting that offenders will be arrested regardless of connections. The minister emphasized that if he cannot resolve the pollution issue during his term, he should not seek re‑election.
Suwatchai Chommern said he had felt uneasy for about a year since taking office after studying the Pollution Control Department's duties. He initially asked whether officials could inspect factories, was told no, and then examined the law, finding rules that prevented access until the source of toxins was identified. He expressed sympathy for department officials, noting that catching companies illegally dumping hazardous waste results only in fines without clear criminal penalties, and argued the law must be amended to grant systematic inspection powers and coordination with local authorities. He added he would have the deputy permanent secretary meet with the secretary-general of the Anti-Money Laundering Office to treat the destruction, burial, or import of hazardous waste as a predicate offense enabling asset seizure, because weak penalties would never eliminate the problem from Thailand. Suwatchai said he had discussed with the ministry’s permanent secretary to give the department authority to monitor scrap‑metal importers, requiring them to seek permission through the agency so it can track shipments via seaports or customs, verify purity, and ensure destruction only at licensed hazardous‑waste facilities. Regarding Prachinburi province, he said he had seen news since September 29, visited the area on October 1, conducted an investigation, and filed a complaint at the Sri Mahaphot Police Station. He ordered that every case referred for prosecution must be reported, stressed that no case should be dismissed without prosecution, and said any charges must be backed by ministry information. He also said oil slicks had been sent to experts for remediation. Suwatchai declared that when he filed the complaint, the factory owner knew whose child was involved and called him, but he told the caller he could not intervene, insisting that anyone who harms the country, its people, or the environment will be arrested, and emphasized that he and his family have no business ties to the matter. He said he will meet with Prakorn Nil to continue the discussion.
