Industrial Estate Authority Orders Wastewater Cleanup at Map Ta Phut
Thailand's Industrial Estate Authority (IEAT) has ordered the lessee at Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate to remove contaminated wastewater from concrete ponds by November 9 after tests revealed high acidity and heavy metals exceeding standards. While IEAT confirms no evidence of groundwater contamination yet, it has mandated immediate action plans, third-party inspections, and proactive checks of other high-risk factories in the complex to prevent recurrence.
The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) found high acidity and heavy metals in wastewater ponds at Map Ta Phut, confirming no evidence of groundwater leakage so far. A November 9 deadline has been set for the lessee to clear the wastewater, with proactive inspections ordered to prevent recurrence.
IEAT Governor Sumeth Tangprasert disclosed that preliminary laboratory analysis of water samples from concrete ponds showed acidic conditions with multiple heavy metals exceeding the reference discharge standards. Zinc in the soil around the ponds also surpassed reference levels.
"We confirm that the water in question is sediment accumulated within the ponds, not water discharged outside. At present, there are no test results confirming any wastewater leakage from the ponds into soil or groundwater," Sumeth stated.
To urgently control risks, IEAT has instructed the current lessee to implement immediate preventive measures and prepare a plan to pump wastewater from the ponds into suitable storage tanks within the premises, starting with uncovered ponds. Moving wastewater off-site without legal permission is prohibited. The lessee must submit an operational plan with a timeline within three days, and is scheduled to provide detailed explanations to IEAT on Monday, November 9, 2026.
For transparency and public confidence, the Rayong Provincial Industry Office has already collected additional water samples for analysis. IEAT will also engage an independent third-party agency to collect water and soil samples from the pond area no later than November 9, 2026, while coordinating further groundwater quality checks.
Simultaneously, IEAT has sent letters to both the original operator and the current lessee demanding clarification of facts with supporting evidence within three days, to determine causes, liabilities, and proper wastewater management going forward.
Additionally, to prevent similar problems, IEAT has urgently ordered the Map Ta Phut Complex Industrial Estate Office to proactively survey and inspect high-risk factory groups, particularly those with metal plating and surface treatment processes using chemicals, as well as factories with high volumes of hazardous waste. Inspections must strictly verify storage conditions, remaining waste quantities, and proof of proper off-site treatment or disposal according to law.
"IEAT confirms close coordination with all sectors to control risks and prevent impacts on the environment and surrounding communities, while regularly communicating progress to operators, communities, and the public to ensure maximum confidence in environmental oversight and area safety," Sumeth affirmed.
