Rayong Orders Closure of More Factories Over Unlicensed Toxic Waste
Rayong authorities have shut down additional factories and seized machinery after discovering they were operating without licences while processing toxic waste linked to Chinese capital. The action follows resident complaints over foul odours and health effects from illegal electronic‑waste recycling. Officials say many more such facilities may still be operating in the area.
The crackdown on Chinese‑capital toxic waste in Rayong has led to further factory closures and machinery seizures after officials confirmed the plants were operating without licences. Residents complained of noxious fumes and health problems from the illegal processing of electronic and hazardous waste, prompting authorities to act. Provincial industry chief Kittipong Atithatphongkul said the situation is causing great distress to the public and that many more similar factories likely exist. On 15 October 2069, investigators found that Rayong Industrial Company Limited in Nikhom Phatthana district was breaking down and shredding large volumes of electrical‑equipment parts and hazardous substances without a factory licence. Following the inspection, the factory was ordered to close and all its equipment impounded, with a closure notice posted at the gate. During the operation, officers seized over 300 tonnes of industrial waste tied to Chinese capital hidden in a derelict warehouse belonging to Ifong Company Limited in Ban Bueng, Chon Buri. The probe then expanded to Rayong Industrial Company Limited, where substantial amounts of electronic waste were discovered, leading to the shutdown order. Deputy provincial advisor Wee‑rachai Chang‑san noted that numerous factories in Rayong import electronic waste for sorting, creating pollution, and that many operate in violation of the Factory Act, causing widespread hardship.
