Thailand has been found with the issue of illegal waste dumping and chemical spills from industrial plants, which caused the concerns about impact on the environment and communities. from these issues, DIW has monitored and implemented various measures as well as discussed with relevant agencies to find the effective solutions for solving and preventing the problem.
On June 24, 2024, executives from the Ministry of Industry (MIND) and the Department of Industrial Works (DIW), along with relevant officials, held a meeting to follow up on the implementation according to the Cabinet Resolution on the Prevention and Mitigation of Chemical Spills.
As the Prime Minister concerned about the chemical spill from industrial plants which has caused unresolved issues and a lack of clear measures to control the situation. Therefore, PM assigned MIND, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to investigate the facts, establish prevention measures & plans, and strictly legal action against factory operators or offenders. The Cabinet approved this issue on June 11, 2024 [1].
MIND monitored the finding from inspections and planned the approach to solve the illegal dumping of industrial waste in Rayong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Phetchabun provinces. Clearly Measures to preventing chemical spills were introduced, covering in all steps such as waste management, disposal, and the international standard for transportation of industrial waste and chemicals. MIND and DIW will hold a weekly meeting to monitor progress until the problem can be solved.
On June 26, 2024, the Deputy Director-General of DIW, along with relevant officials from DIW and Prachin buri Provincial Industrial Office, met with member of the Committee on Industry to clarify the facts on the illegal dumping of gypsum waste in Prachinburi Province. [3]
In 2023, DIW received the complaint about calcium sulfate (synthetic gypsum) generated from Citric Acid Manufacturing Factory, stored in the community area of Si Maha Phot District, Prachinburi Province, to be used as a raw material for soil conditioner production. DIW staff found the waste management method was improperly. Therefore, DIW ordered the factory send the gypsum waste back to their plant area and dispose of it by proper methods. [4]
The factory complied with the order and disposed of the synthetic gypsum waste by landfill at Hua Wa Subdistrict, Sri Maha pho District. However, the local residents concerned about environmental and community impacts. Therefore, sample of soil and water were collected by DIW for contamination testing. The results indicated no contamination of hazardous chemicals.
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