Bangkok:Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, has initiated an expansive inspection of industrial waste disposal plants, identifying 375 violations and taking action against nine plants for multiple breaches of the Factory Act.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Industry is intensifying inspections and law enforcement for factories under categories Nos. 105 and 106, which pertain to waste management and recycling of unused industrial products. The goal is to inspect 3,049 factories nationwide, out of more than 70,000, due to numerous complaints about illegal activities affecting public and environmental welfare.
Between November 2 and 9, 2026, 752 factories were inspected, revealing 375 non-compliant factories, resulting in 470 administrative orders. In the five pilot provinces—Prachinburi, Chonburi, Chachoengsao, Rayong, and Samut Prakan—380 of the targeted 1,494 factories were inspected, with 296 found in violation. In the remaining provinces and Bangkok, 372 factories out of 1,555 were inspected, uncovering 79 violations.
The inspections have particularly targeted E-waste management plants, aiming to check 350 factories nationwide. So far, 42 have been inspected, with several orders issued for non-compliance.
The operation has resulted in penalties for nine factories under Section 39 of the Factory Act. These include one factory in Chachoengsao Province having its license proposed for revocation due to serious violations and eight others ordered to cease operations due to various infractions such as unauthorized machinery installation, untreated waste discharge, and compliance failures.
Mr. Varawut emphasized that the task force will continue monitoring and enforcing compliance, with seized items subject to legal action. The inspection results will inform improvements in supervision and enforcement processes, aiming for stricter adherence to laws.
Future inspection plans include expanding to five more provinces Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon, Saraburi, and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, employing 50 operational teams for comprehensive coverage. The public is encouraged to report suspicious factory activities through the Ministry of Industry's hotline.
Mr. Varawut also warned against illegal activities, highlighting that the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul have directed cross-ministry actions, including financial investigations by the Anti-Money Laundering Office, with potential asset seizures for violators. The Ministry of Commerce will also blacklist companies found guilty.
In response to concerns about potential resistance to including Prachinburi in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) due to toxic waste issues, Mr. Varawut assured that discussions with the EEC's Secretary-General are ongoing. He expressed confidence that the operational framework's completion would lead to smoother resolution of these issues.
Regarding requests to relocate factories and waste plants, Mr. Varawut stated that legal frameworks and public hearing records must be reviewed before any decisions are made.