Prachinburi: "Thanagorn" orders strict controls as business operations are halted and industrial waste movement is prohibited to prevent environmental impact following fires at two recycling plants in Prachinburi, with damages estimated at over 20 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Thanagorn Wangboonkongchana, the Minister of Industry, commented on the fire that occurred on March 11, 2026, at two adjacent waste sorting plants in Muang Kao Subdistrict, Kabin Buri District, Prachinburi Province. He stated that he has instructed the Prachinburi Provincial Industry Office to closely monitor the situation, provide information to assist in controlling the fire, and continuously coordinate with local firefighters.
The Minister further stated that initial reports indicate the fire was brought under control at 5:00 PM on March 11th, with no injuries or fatalities. Preliminary investigations revealed the fire originated at Viriya Rungruang Recycling Co., Ltd. before spreading to Yutthana Silp Recycling Co., Ltd., causing damage to both factories' buildings, machinery, raw materials, and finished products. The estimated initial damage is approximately 10 million baht per factory. However, the initial assumption is that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit in the control panel of Viriya Rungruang Recycling Co., Ltd., resulting in sparks that ignited the entire building and spread to the adjacent Yutthana Silp Recycling Co., Ltd.
Mr. Thanakorn further stated that, since the two factories are designated for sorting non-hazardous waste, the Prachinburi Provincial Industrial Office will coordinate with the Department of Industrial Works (DIW) to issue an order for the factories to temporarily cease operations, exercising the authority under Section 39 of the Factory Act B.E. 2535 (1992). The order will also prohibit the movement of industrial waste to ensure proper disposal and treatment according to scientific principles, and to prevent any negative impact on the environment and the safety of nearby residents.
"During the summer months, factory fires frequently occur, with more than three factories affected in a single week. Therefore, I have instructed the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause and implement preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future," Mr. Thanakorn said.