Prachinburi Residents Await Minister's Overdue Factory Closure Decision
Nearly 200 Prachinburi residents protested at a Sri Maha Pho waste factory demanding the industry minister's overdue closure
Nearly 200 members of the 'Strong Prachinburi' group and affected residents gathered in front of the industrial waste factory in Sri Maha Pho district, Prachinburi province, to demand progress updates. Previously, Industry Minister Warawut Silpa-archa visited the area on October 19 to receive complaints and pledged to expedite inspections and provide an answer on factory closure within seven days. However, no clear response has been received to date.
Ms. Siriporn Chaiwatthana, a community representative, stated that residents are still waiting for the minister's promised answer on whether the factory will be closed. Although the factory has been ordered to suspend operations for three months, villagers see no tangible solution. Additionally, residents are concerned about black water spreading widely beyond Sri Maha Pho into Sri Mahosot and potentially Ban Sang districts, increasing fears of worsening water pollution.
Regarding the province's 'fish eating' event intended to build public confidence, residents noted that Prasang district differs from the pollution-affected areas of Sri Maha Pho, Sri Mahosot, and Ban Sang. They argued such activities should not be used to create reassurance without verified safety testing of aquatic life. Residents demand the minister order permanent factory closure to restore public confidence.
