Industry Minister Launches Nationwide Factory Inspections, Finds 64 Violations
Industry Minister Waravuth Silpa-acha launched nationwide factory inspections, uncovering 64 violations among 80 plants checked on day one across five eastern provinces.
Industry Minister Waravuth Silpa-acha revealed he received a report on the first-day results of factory inspections from Permanent Secretary Phasakorn Chairat, Department of Industrial Works Director-General Prayot Klankhong, and task force chief Decha Chathurathanan. The Ministry of Industry has launched strict inspections and enforcement against Category 105 and 106 factories to ensure operations comply with laws and standards, with a nationwide target of 3,049 factories.
On the first day, operations covered Group A across five provinces: Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Prachinburi, and Samut Prakan. Ten teams per province, totalling 50 teams, were deployed, each led by a ministry official and integrated with relevant agencies including the Department of Industrial Works, Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Interior, and local administrations.
First-day results showed 80 factories were inspected: 26 Category 105 factories, 52 Category 106 factories, and two others — a metal scrap baling plant and a plastic melting plant. Inspections uncovered 64 factories violating the Factory Act B.E. 2535 and amendments. Details: one factory ordered to temporarily cease operations under Section 39, paragraph 1, and 63 factories ordered to improve under Section 37, paragraph 1.
Additionally, a special central task force inspected three more factories currently undergoing revocation proceedings, which would result in licence withdrawal. These factories are located in Samut Prakan, Chonburi, and Chachoengsao, with proceedings expected to conclude soon.
Minister Waravuth stated this mobilised inspection is the task force's first operation, enabling more intensive and comprehensive checks. He instructed all teams to work with determination, make decisions within the legal framework, prioritise national interest, and place public safety first. The task force will continue field inspections continuously until the 3,049-factory target is met, vowing strict legal enforcement against violating operators to ensure all factories meet standards without harming the public or environment.
