Chonburi, Thailand – August 24th, 2026
Authorities inspected a Chinese-owned factory in the That Thong Subdistrict in the Bo Thong District on Monday following complaints from local residents and reports from a Facebook page alleging the illegal burial of industrial waste behind the premises.
The inspection team included Damrong Deecharoenwongkul, Mayor of That Thong Subdistrict Municipality; Duangchan Unchat, Chonburi Provincial Industrial Officer; Thanawat Phawasut from the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Chonburi Province; and officials from related agencies.
The factory manufactures gas stoves and holds a factory establishment license (Ror. 4). However, preliminary checks revealed it lacks the required operating license under Thai law.
Officials discovered a suspicious area behind the factory that appeared to contain buried industrial waste. A backhoe was brought in to excavate the site, and samples of the materials and residue were collected for laboratory analysis by the provincial industrial office. Results are expected within 20 days.
The investigation is to determine the type of waste involved, whether it qualifies as hazardous, and if any substances present could harm the environment, water sources, soil, or public health in the surrounding community.
Mayor Damrong stated that the Chonburi Provincial Industrial Office has been tasked with conducting a detailed analysis of the samples to identify the waste and assess any potential illegality or danger.
In the meantime, authorities have ordered the factory to suspend operations pending the test results and further legal proceedings. If the analysis confirms illegal waste burial or unlicensed operations, officials will pursue action under relevant laws and regulations.
Authorities explained that the inspection was carried out in response to public complaints to prevent possible harm to the community and environment. They are continuing to examine the site and gather additional evidence while awaiting the official laboratory findings before determining the next steps.
