Suchat Orders Pollution Control Department to Intensify Inspection of Huai Ta Khae After Black Water and Foul Odors Detected; Urgent Water Quality Testing and Strict Law Enforcement Underway
Black water and foul odors detected in Huai Ta Khae, Saraburi Province have prompted the Environment Minister to order intensive pollution inspections and water quality testing as part of strict law enforcement against violators.
May 27, 2025 – Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin has ordered the Pollution Control Department (PCD) to investigate water quality conditions in the Huai Ta Khae area, Pak Khao Sarn Subdistrict, Muang District, Saraburi Province, following the discovery of black-colored water with foul odors—an issue that recurs annually. The minister has instructed officials to establish monitoring checkpoints, create surveillance networks, continuously collect environmental data, and strictly enforce environmental laws against any violators.
Dr. Surin Vorakitchawong, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department, revealed that the Environmental Quality and Pollution Control Office Region 7 (Region 7 Saraburi) conducted monitoring between May 4-7, 2025, during which over 27 millimeters of rainfall accumulated. Water quality abnormalities were detected in the Khlong Kaet area, which merges with water from Nong Nam Khiao before reaching Lang Luang Dam. Water samples were collected from five monitoring points, and the Saraburi provincial task force was asked to investigate the water course further to identify the cause.
Between May 18-24, 2025, during approximately 30 millimeters of rainfall, Region 7 returned to the area and again found water quality irregularities in Khlong Kaet, Khlong Nong Nam Khiao, and Huai Ta Khae. Eight additional water samples were collected to support joint problem-solving efforts with Saraburi Province. Dr. Surin stated that this issue regularly impacts water sources, water usage, and residents' quality of life, especially during the rainy season. The department's inspection, legal, and regional teams are closely monitoring the situation, working with residents and local agencies, and filing daily reports with local police stations to build evidence for legal prosecution and strict enforcement. The PCD thanked the public for reporting environmental violations, which enables rapid investigation and impact reduction. The department will designate Huai Ta Khae as a priority monitoring area for continued intensive inspection.
