Pollution Agency Launches Aerial Waste Dump Survey in Two Provinces
Thailand's Pollution Control Department is using drones and aerial surveys to detect illegal waste dumping sites across Chachoengsao and Chonburi provinces, strengthening enforcement against hazardous waste disposal.
On July 21, Dr. Surin Worakitdamrong, director-general of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), announced that Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchath Chomklin has tasked the PCD with intensifying surveillance and suppression of illegal dumping of garbage, hazardous waste, and industrial residue. The department is deploying aerial technology alongside ground inspections to improve detection of high-risk areas, protect the environment, safeguard public health, and strengthen law enforcement.
Dr. Surin explained that the PCD's Environmental and Pollution Control Office 13 in Chachoengsao is coordinating with the Ministry's Digital Technology and Drone Centre, along with provincial natural resources offices in Chachoengsao and Chonburi, to conduct aerial surveys of illegal waste disposal sites. The target areas cover the Eastern and Central regions and other urgent locations, focusing on high-risk zones, areas with previous complaints, and sites with improper waste disposal practices. A geographic database will be created to support surveillance, law enforcement, and environmental data management across relevant agencies.
Dr. Surin reported that surveys conducted on July 18 in Chachoengsao and Chachoengsao provinces identified multiple dumping sites across several districts. Data collected from these surveys will be used for detailed investigations and strict legal proceedings against offenders, with systematic efforts to address illegal waste disposal in at-risk areas going forward.
