Bangkok: Minister of Industry Varawut Silpa-archa emphasized that if the 'Sinkeyuan' steel is found to be substandard, the factory could face closure once more. The minister is gearing up to tackle this issue during an urgent interpellation by the opposition tomorrow.
According to Thai News Agency, Varawut addressed the Ministry of Industry's decision to allow Sin Ke Yuan Steel Co., Ltd. to resume operations, highlighting the critical criteria that influenced this decision. He clarified that the authority to open or close a factory lies with the Director-General and the Department of Industrial Works, not with him. He assured that the Department of Industrial Works has adhered to all necessary legal requirements. Varawut is preparing for a live questioning session in the House of Representatives, which will offer an opportunity to address concerns and provide clarity. He emphasized that public safety remains a priority for the Ministry of Industry and the government, with regulatory measures in place to ensure confidence in industrial products.
The Department of Industrial Works granted permits to the factories as they complied with the stipulated conditions. Varawut mentioned that he would receive detailed information about the steel quality from the Department today, as he was only informed of the issue last weekend while on a visit to Vietnam. He plans to present this information in a parliamentary session to discuss potential solutions and reassure the public.
In addressing concerns about the steel's quality and the possibility of factory closures if standards are not met, Varawut confirmed that substandard production would necessitate improvements or result in factory closure. This measure ensures that all products, regardless of the technology used, adhere to industrial standards, with further elaboration planned for tomorrow.
Regarding the absence of a refining furnace, as specified in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) plan, Varawut stated that verbal reports suggested the factory could use existing furnaces to enhance molten steel quality, rendering the refining furnace unnecessary. He intends to review the documents comprehensively and work on reassuring the public.