Warehouse Construction in Rayong Covers Toxic Waste Pile; Authorities Order Immediate Work Halt
A warehouse construction project in Rayong has been halted after authorities discovered it was built over a toxic waste pile containing dangerous levels of heavy metals like selenium and copper. The site's previous operator is under investi
On April 30, 2026, Kittiphon Taengphiw, acting director of Rayong's Department of Natural Resources and Environment, dispatched a team led by environmental specialist Aphipong Sattaphong to investigate complaints of a closed building covering an industrial waste pile in Moo 2, Phamanikom subdistrict. The investigation confirmed the property is private land under proper authorization for warehouse construction from Phamanikom Municipality. However, the site was previously operated by a company that sorted waste materials and extracted metals from copper slag residue before portions were sold or leased. That company is currently suspended and under orders from the Department of Industrial Works to improve its waste management system following discovery of illegal dumping of waste materials in neighboring areas without permission, which violates factory and environmental laws.
Toxicity analysis revealed the waste contains dangerous levels of heavy metals including selenium, copper, and zinc. The company has been ordered to properly dispose of all residue, though metal slag piles remain on-site. The provincial industrial office has filed charges with Nikom Pattana Police Station, with investigators currently gathering evidence for prosecution. During the inspection, officials discovered additional waste within the construction area and ordered an immediate work halt to thoroughly examine the subsurface soil for any additional illegal dumping. Related agencies will closely monitor the case and pursue decisive legal action if further violations are found to protect the environment and public safety.
