Industrial Minister Orders Strict Checks After Prachinburi Chemical Leak
Industrial Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said his ministry is actively responding to a chemical leak from waste at a factory in Sri Maha Pho, Prachinburi, ordering strict inspections and threatening immediate shutdowns for violators. He also addressed criticism about focusing on floods in Suphanburi while wearing two hats as minister and local representative, saying he understands both roles. The ministry plans to seek damages and possibly seize assets of offending companies, and to involve anti-money laundering authorities.
At 09:50 on 12 October 2069 at the Government House, Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, spoke about the industrial factory in Sri Maha Pho, Prachinburi where chemical waste leaked together with flooding, causing damage and distress to villagers. He said the Ministry of Industry has not been idle, continuously working and sending teams to coordinate on site. For factories where legal violations have been proven, the ministry has posted notices under Section 39 ordering cessation of operations, stopping raw material intake and removal of goods from the premises. The ministry also ordered factories with ponds and waste piles to cover everything with tarpaulins. Recently, the deputy permanent secretary of industry was assigned to direct provincial industry offices and coordinate with multiple agencies to begin strict legal enforcement across all factories. Reports indicate some factories involve nominees or other problems, and joint forces will conduct patrols; if legal violations are confirmed, the ministry will order immediate shutdowns. When asked about penalties, Varawut said responsible parties must cover damages and costs incurred by state agencies and affected communities under the law. The ministry is currently amending the Factory Act to treat toxic leaks as financial crimes, seeking cooperation from the Anti-Money Laundering Office to seize entrepreneurs' assets. He stressed the ministry is not complacent, having visited many crisis areas, though not all yet, and emphasized ongoing daily actions. Regarding public damage, Varawut stated the Ministry of Industry, through the Department of Industrial Works, will prosecute entrepreneurs and hold them liable for all costs, including environmental harm and cleanup. Responding to claims he only attends to Suphanburi floods, Varawut explained he wears two hats: as Industry Minister and as a representative elected by Suphanburi locals with strong support. He acknowledged the dilemma of being criticized whichever area he visits, saying it is a matter of many opinions, but affirmed he remains attentive to every problem and will direct oversight of all affected zones. While he cannot bring the Ministry of Industry to solve Suphanburi flooding, he can deploy ministry teams to address ongoing issues such as those in Prachinburi, though he acknowledged it may not satisfy the public immediately.
