National—
On March 31st, 2024, Mr. Akaradej Wongpitakroj, the Chairman of the Industrial Commission, publicly revealed a case of a steel mill’s crane collapsing in Rayong. The mill was revealed to be owned by Chinese investors.
The Industrial Commission disclosed information to the public that there were Chinese investors who allegedly violated Thai laws including conducting constructions without permission, operating businesses as the wrong types, emitting pollution to the local community, and employing Thai nominees to assume rights to operate a business, as well as other violations, according to Akaradej.
It was found recently that a factory owned by Chinese investors allegedly transported slag or other dangerous minerals without valid processing. In regards to locals in the area, it would potentially affect their health, remarked Akaradej.
However, the Industrial Commission and relevant agencies were investigating the case and other similar businesses across Thailand to hold them accountable for their crimes.
It was reported that one Chinese investor in Chonburi was arrested for violating environmental laws and two other cases involving Chinese investors in Samut Sakhon and Chachoengsao were under investigation by more than five individuals, stated Akaradej.
Akaradej further added that many Chinese investors operated the businesses while violating Thai laws, causing negative effects on the environment and locals.
In response to the Pluak Daeng crane collapse accident, the committee investigated the case before holding a meeting with both the public and private sectors to take serious legal action against the company accordingly.
However, Akaradej replied to a concern regarding the possible impact on investment from China that, in the long term, Thailand aimed to have quality investors who would not exploit the locals and who were not a threat to the economic stability of the country.
The Thai government would take strict measures to ensure the benefit of locals and the environment for those who sought to operate businesses in Thailand.
Moreover, the Thai government sought to discuss the matters with China to select quality investors and gave authority to the Chinese government to consider the punishment including revoking visas accordingly to the wrongdoers, stated Akaradej.
