Bangkok:Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Industry, has initiated a comprehensive operation to inspect factories categorized as Nos. 105 and 106. This initiative aims to enforce strict compliance with laws related to waste management and industrial waste. The operation will involve 50 teams conducting urgent inspections across 1,500 factories in five provinces, focusing on strict law enforcement, including potential criminal prosecution and asset seizure.
According to Thai News Agency, the operation is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Industry and relevant departments like the Pollution Control Department. Mr. Varawut emphasized the importance of strict law enforcement without discrimination, targeting factories that pose risks to the public and environment. The operation aims to inspect 3,049 factories, prioritizing those with complaints, past violations, or irregularities. The inspection in Group A provinces (Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Prachinburi, Samut Prakan) and Group B provinces (Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Saraburi) is set to be completed by November 2026, with the rest of the country by December 2026.
Mr. Varawut has expressed a strong stance on enforcing the law, calling for measures such as asset seizure, deportation of foreign factory owners, and imprisonment for illegal waste dumping. He noted that the Department of Industrial Works is revising the Factory Act and the Industrial Waste Act to impose stricter penalties beyond the current fines. Two factories have already been referred to the Department of Special Investigation for asset seizure investigations.
This marks the first collaboration between the Ministry of Industry and law enforcement agencies to take decisive action against illegal factories. Comprehensive inspections are set to begin promptly, with results reported within 24 hours. Mr. Varawut plans to disclose findings weekly and encourages the public to report violations to hotline 1564. Each province will have its own industry teams in addition to the 50 inspection teams launched.