Industry Minister Orders Closure of Toxic Factories in Prachin Buri
Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa ordered the immediate shutdown of two factories in Prachin Buri after discovering they operated illegally, leaked toxic chemicals, and encroached on forest land. Local residents protested over severe pollution that damaged health and ruined rice crops. The minister warned the actions constitute a grave national offense and gave officials seven days to verify facts, but threatened community-led closures if no action is taken.
Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, together with acting Prachin Buri Governor Chanathip Kokmani and Prachin Buri Provincial Administration Organization President Krit Kasamphan, led a team to a factory in Huai Wa sub-district, Sri Maha Pho district, after industrial wastewater containing hydrocarbons leaked, causing severe hardship to residents. Over 200 locals, led by Suntorn Komkai of the Prachin Khumkeung group, submitted a complaint citing unbearable odors and chemical-laden wastewater that harmed health, crops, especially rice paddies stained with rainbow-colored residue, rendering the rice unharvestable and unsellable. They demanded permanent closure. Varawut explained that any action must follow legal process and asked officials seven days to verify facts, but villagers warned they would shut the factories themselves if no closure order came. He then visited another factory in Krok Sombun sub-district, Sri Maha Pho, to investigate allegations of unauthorized recycling of electronic waste, illegal metal crushing and smelting, expansion of premises and installation of extra machinery in defiance of control orders. Officials found nothing lawful; the factory had also encroached on a national forest reserve, coordinated with the Forest Department and Land Reform Bureau for prosecution. They discovered large piles of e-waste and the practice of grinding plastic-coated wire scraps into soil, risking toxin dispersal. Varawut declared such acts a serious offense against Thailand, whoever commits them.
