Illegal Chemical Waste Dumped in Pineapple Field Fouls Water
Illegal chemical waste discovered piled in a Rayong pineapple field has turned an adjacent pond black and foul-smelling, prompting authorities to order immediate removal and launch contamination tests.
On July 12, 2025, Roongniran Modsiri, chief administrator of Mae Naam Khuu Subdistrict in Pluak Daeng District, Rayong Province, along with officials from the district and relevant agencies, conducted an urgent inspection following complaints of illegal industrial waste dumping. They discovered approximately five rai of chemical waste and debris piled near a large pond in a pineapple field in Moo 4, Mae Naam Khuu, along the Nikom Phattana-Pluak Daeng Road.
The inspection revealed that water in the pond had turned completely black and was emitting a strong, pervasive stench. Workers were observed maintaining the site, which authorities believe is an unsanitary industrial waste sorting and recycling operation. Roongniran stated that the subdistrict municipality coordinated immediately with Pluak Daeng District to prevent environmental and public health damage. Water samples have been sent to a certified laboratory for contamination and residue testing, with legal action promised if standards are exceeded.
The operator has been ordered to immediately transport all chemical waste off-site for proper, environmentally sound disposal and has agreed to complete the work quickly. The municipality will closely monitor the situation to ensure the area is restored and poses no further risk to neighboring communities.
