Bangkok: "Varawut" denies involvement in approving the opening of "Xin Ke Yuan," insists the authority rests with the Department of Industrial Works, and warns of closure if it fails to meet standards again. Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, addressed media queries at Government House concerning the contentious decision by the Department of Industrial Works to permit Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co., Ltd. to resume operations. He clarified that the authority to open or close a factory lies solely with the Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works, and does not require his ministerial consent. Although initial reports suggest the company has adhered to legal standards and rectified past issues, Mr. Varawut noted that an opposition question in Parliament tomorrow presents an opportunity to elucidate the facts and proposed solutions to the public, emphasizing that public safety remains the government's top priority.
According to Thai News Agency, when questioned about ongoing concerns regarding the quality and standards of steel products, Mr. Varawut mentioned he was awaiting comprehensive documentation and information from the Department of Industrial Works, having only become aware of the situation over the weekend. He acknowledged that any discovery of non-compliance with industrial standards (TIS) would provide grounds for the Ministry to mandate factory improvements. Should the products persistently fail to meet standards, the Ministry is prepared to enforce an immediate second closure of the factory.
Regarding the dispute over the factory's construction plan, which involved a required refining furnace as per the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, Mr. Varawut clarified that the factory's verbal report indicated the existing furnace could be utilized for improving and controlling the quality of molten iron, eliminating the need for an additional furnace. He committed to a thorough review of all documents and evidence to prepare a statement for the parliamentary meeting, aiming to reassure the public.