Rayong: "Varawut" orders the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) to suspend land development in WHA ESIE 5 after finding evidence of rock blasting. He urged an investigation to verify the facts and report within 3 days, emphasizing that if any illegal activity is found, legal action must be taken immediately.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, revealed the progress of the investigation into the loud noise resembling an explosion and the resulting tremors in four districts of Rayong Province, which occurred on August 13, causing panic among the public. He stated that on August 17, 2026, a working group from the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), along with the Rayong Provincial Industry Office, the Department of Primary Industries and Mines (Chonburi Region), local MPs, and representatives from the local administration, inspected the site of the incident within the WHA Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 5 (WHA ESIE 5) development project in Ban Khai District, Rayong Province.
The inspection was conducted by representatives from the Ban Khai District administration, local members of parliament, representatives from the WHA industrial estate, and Ban Khai Concrete Products Co., Ltd., the contractor. Initial findings indicate that the area was undergoing land preparation, and evidence suggests rock destruction via blasting. Therefore, the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) must expedite the process of submitting all evidence to expert agencies for verification to confirm what happened and whether the actions were in accordance with the law.
'I have instructed the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) to immediately suspend all land leveling in areas containing rocks within the project, and to prohibit outsiders from entering the site to preserve the incident site and prevent the destruction or removal of evidence. I have also ordered a swift investigation to ascertain the facts. If the investigation reveals any violations, decisive legal action will be taken immediately, without exception. Furthermore, I have ordered a rapid assessment of the area and potential damage to determine measures to compensate affected residents as quickly as possible.'
Furthermore, the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) has issued a letter to the industrial estate developers requesting clarification of the facts within 3 working days. This clarification should cover all on-site operational processes, environmental impact mitigation measures as outlined in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, as well as all relevant permits and legal procedures.
Mr. Varawut stated that the next step for the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) will be to thoroughly examine the evidence, including reviewing daily reports to compare coordinates and work sequence with the actual site conditions. They will also coordinate with expert agencies to conduct verification in order to reach a clear conclusion.
Previously, representatives from the industrial estate and contractors confirmed that the excavation and rock removal were carried out within the EIA framework and only using drilling rigs (breakers), without the use of explosives. Therefore, the recent discovery of such evidence raises the issue that the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) must clarify: what process caused it, who carried it out, and whether the necessary permits were obtained legally.
The local Members of Parliament who joined the field visit to verify the facts with the Industrial Estate Authority will continue to coordinate. Furthermore, if the public encounters any problems related to the Ministry of Industry, they can report them immediately, 24 hours a day, via the hotline 1564.