Bor Thong, Chonburi – November 5th, 2025 – A rapid-response team led by Minister of Industry Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, through his advisor Ms. Ploylapas “June” Singtothong, conducted an on-site inspection of a waste recycling facility in the Bor Thong district following multiple public complaints about persistent foul odors affecting nearby communities.
The operation targeted a company located on Moo 7 in the Bo Kwang Thong subdistrict. The 5–6 rai facility processes industrial waste, including sorting, fuel blending, and solvent recovery from thinners. Officials arrived to find workers operating machinery amid a strong stench of garbage permeating the area.
Inspectors observed wet, uncovered piles of processed waste outside the buildings, contributing to the odor. The plant consists of four structures: two for waste sorting and two for oil-spraying operations. Despite holding valid Ror Ngor 105 and 106 operating permits, the facility was found to be in violation of industrial standards.
“The factory is not fully compliant with regulations,” said Mr. Prasom Damrongpong, Director of the Factory Pollution Research and Warning Division at the Department of Industrial Works. “Waste is stored openly outdoors, causing widespread odors. We will issue immediate orders to halt non-compliant activities.”
Ms. Ploylapas explained to The Pattaya News team the ministry’s “close fast, open fast, reliable” policy. “If violations are found, we close quickly. If corrections meet standards, we reopen quickly—and the public must be able to rely on us,” she stated. Key issues include stagnant water risking contamination and uncovered waste piles.
Officials attempted to enter the oil-spraying building but were denied access after the operator warned that opening it would release intense fumes. The team collected samples of industrial waste residue and on-site water for laboratory analysis.
Ms. Wilailak Jeensri, Head of the Provincial Industrial Office’s Factory Group, confirmed that Chonburi’s industrial authority will enforce stop-work orders on violating sections and monitor corrections closely. “Until full compliance is achieved, operations in breach cannot continue,” she said.
The inspection follows the ministry’s “Full Throttle” mobile unit protocol, deployed in response to resident reports of chronic air pollution. Further enforcement actions and potential fines will depend on lab results and the facility’s remediation timeline.
