Toxic Waste Found at Two Prajaenburi Sites, Heavy Metals Detected
Toxic waste containing heavy metals including cadmium and lead has been discovered at two sites in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, with authorities launching an urgent investigation to identify those responsible for the illegal dumping.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin announced on September 7, 2025, that he had ordered the Pollution Control Department to urgently investigate suspected waste dumping at two locations in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The first site, in Ban Tham subdistrict, Sri Maha Phot district, contained automotive rubber scraps, conveyor belt fragments, and factory rubber waste. The second site, at the border of Lat Takian and Khao Mai Kaew subdistricts, Kabinburi district, contained unknown materials mixed with chicken manure spread across more than 1,000 rai of sugarcane fields, posing environmental and public health risks.
Suchat assigned Deputy Police Colonel Itthiporn Potthong, advisor to the minister, to lead a comprehensive field investigation with relevant agencies. He instructed the Pollution Control Department to closely monitor test results and urgently trace the waste sources and identify those responsible.
At the first site in Ban Tham subdistrict, samples of rubber waste were collected for analysis, and a complaint was filed for legal proceedings. The Pollution Control Department was tasked with continuous environmental impact assessment.
At the second site near Lat Takian and Khao Mai Kaew subdistricts, officials discovered crushed wire insulation mixed with chicken manure across a large sugarcane field. Three waste samples were collected and analyzed using XRF equipment, which preliminarily detected multiple heavy metals including cadmium, lead, arsenic, copper, nickel, and zinc—classified as hazardous substances under industrial ministry regulations. Water runoff testing showed a slightly alkaline pH of 8–9.
Officials instructed the land occupant to quickly install barriers around the waste pile and properly cover it to prevent rainwater from leaching contaminants into surrounding areas and to reduce environmental risk.
Dr. Surin Vorakitdhamma, director of the Pollution Control Department, stated that on September 7, Deputy Police Colonel Itthiporn Potthong, assigned by the minister, conducted a field investigation with relevant agencies, inspecting both suspected waste sites, collecting samples for analysis, and assessing environmental risk.
"The minister has ordered the Pollution Control Department to investigate thoroughly and trace the source, as illegal dumping of waste or industrial sludge poses environmental and public health risks. If analysis confirms pollution or wrongdoing, corrective action will be expedited and strict legal enforcement will follow," Dr. Surin said.
The Pollution Control Department will proceed with prosecuting officials.
