Rayong Factory Raid Uncovers 1,000+ Tons of Hazardous E-Waste
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Natural Resources and Environment Minister Supat Champaklin ordered the special pollution control task force to urgently inspect a factory in Rayong province after a video clip showing a confrontation between individuals linked to the factory, officials, and the village environmental volunteer network sparked criticism on social media. He instructed a thorough fact-check and strict legal proceedings for any violations to protect the environment and public health.
On October 29, 2026, Pol. Maj. Gen. Itthipon Photong, head of the special operations task force and advisor to the minister, and Dr. Chamlong Chuerod, deputy head, led a team from the pollution control task force alongside officials from the Pollution Control Department, Rayong Provincial Industry Office, Rayong Natural Resources and Environment Office, Nikhom Phatthana District, and Makham Khu Subdistrict Municipality. They inspected a company in Moo 6, Makham Khu Subdistrict, Nikhom Phatthana District, Rayong.
The inspection found the company held Factory Licenses No. 105 and 106 for wire sorting and shredding, old motor dismantling, and non-hazardous waste management, but had not notified operations as required by law. Although the factory was not operating at the time, large amounts of unused materials were piled outside the building, which was under seal by the Rayong Provincial Industry Office.
Crucially, officials discovered waste residue containing electronic circuit boards mixed with wire insulation fragments, totaling over 1,000 tons. This waste falls under Type 3 hazardous substances per the Hazardous Substances Act B.E. 2535. Some waste beside the building had already been moved inside for storage.
The Pollution Control Department collected seven samples — six from outside and one from inside — for X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. Preliminary results detected heavy metal components classified as Type 3 hazardous substances.
Meanwhile, Makham Khu Subdistrict Municipality has suspended the factory's Type 2 hazardous business license until it can operate legally. The Pollution Control Department has charged a staff member at Nikhom Phatthana Provincial Police Station with illegal possession of hazardous substances for further legal action.
The department will coordinate with relevant agencies and the local environmental volunteer network to continuously monitor and verify facts, exercising authority strictly. Any additional violations will be prosecuted to prevent impacts on the public and environment. The minister emphasized that environmental law enforcement must be genuine, impartial, and uncompromising.
