Prachinburi Shuts Illegal E-Waste Plant in Forest Reserve
Prachinburi authorities shut down an illegal e-waste processing plant operating in a national forest reserve after a civic group exposed the unauthorized facility that had been running for nearly a year. Officials seized equipment and mater
PRACHINBURI — The Prachinburi governor has ordered the immediate closure and seizure of equipment at an allegedly illegal e-waste processing plant operating inside a national forest reserve, following complaints that the facility had been operating for nearly a year.
The crackdown came after Sumet Rianphongnam, leader of the Prachinburi Khemkhaeng civic group, posted photos and videos online calling for an investigation into alleged encroachment on the Khwae Rabom and Si Yat national forest reserves in Moo 7, Krok Sombun subdistrict, Si Maha Phot district. The group alleged that foreign investors had been allowed to establish an illegal facility for sorting and processing electronic waste in the area.
Governor Weerapant Dee-on ordered Si Maha Phot district officials to join forces with the provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office and Provincial Industry Office to inspect the facility on 6 August. The inspection confirmed that the plant was located within the protected Khwae Rabom and Si Yat national forest reserve.
Officials found the facility operating without authorization to sort, shred and compact scrap metal, electrical wires and electronic components. Authorities immediately ordered the operation suspended and seized the materials, equipment, machinery and other items found at the site as evidence.
The governor also ordered an urgent investigation into the legality of the land title documents. If the documents are found to have been illegally issued or used, authorities will take decisive legal action to protect community rights.
The Khwae Rabom and Si Yat national forest reserves are considered nationally important natural forest areas, established under Ministerial Regulation No. 409 in 1969. The reserves cover areas mainly in Sanam Chai Khet and Tha Takiap districts of Chachoengsao province and extend into Si Maha Phot district in Prachinburi. Around 700,000–850,000 rai of the forest reserve remains protected under the law. The area forms part of the "five-province forest complex" in eastern Thailand and provides important habitat for wild elephants and other protected wildlife.
The forest is also a source of the Khwae Rabom and Khwae Si Yat rivers, which merge into Khlong Tha Lat before flowing into the Bang Pakong River. It is also home to the Khlong Si Yat Reservoir, which has a capacity of about 420 million cubic meters.
Authorities warned that illegal e-waste processing and the dumping of hazardous chemical waste could contaminate groundwater and natural waterways, potentially causing serious impacts on ecosystems, wildlife and public health.
