Prachin Buri: The Ministry of Industry has taken decisive action against substandard steel operations and zero-dollar businesses, targeting two factories in Prachin Buri for inspection and legal repercussions.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Ekkanat Promphan, the Minister of Industry, has tasked Ms. Thitipat Chotidechachainan, the Head of the Ministry's End-to-End Inspection Operation Team, with overseeing the inspections. The collaborative effort includes the Department of Industrial Works (DIW), Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI), the Office of Trade Competition Commission (OTC), the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPD), and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). The focus of the operation was the inspection of Thai Sing Steel Co., Ltd. and Yong Sing Steel (Thailand) Co., Ltd., both located in Tambon Hua Wa, Amphoe Si Maha Phot, Prachin Buri Province. The initiative aims to ensure adherence to legal standards and the quality of steel products.
Initial reports indicated non-compliance with regulatory standards by both factories, particularly concerning environmental impacts. Recommendations were made for corrective actions, and legal measures were taken for unauthorized machinery use. The businesses were found to be operating outside their permitted areas, specifically in the separation and compression of scrap iron and electronic waste. TISI has collected samples for detailed analysis alongside the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand (ISI).
Ms. Thitipat reported that Thai Sing Steel Co., Ltd. was found producing steel wire and sections with a capacity of 5,873 tons per day. The factory's waste management did not align with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, prompting corrective orders. Similarly, Yong Sing Steel (Thailand) Co., Ltd., producing steel bars and wire products, was found to have unauthorized machinery changes. It also operated industrial waste-related factories without permission, leading to penalties under the Factory Act, which includes potential imprisonment or fines.
Moreover, a significant seizure was made involving over 40,000 tons of imported scrap iron mixed with electronic and plastic waste. Legal charges were filed for possession of hazardous electronic waste without permission, under the Hazardous Substances Act, which stipulates severe penalties. Further tests on the factory's steel products will be conducted by the Iron and Steel Institute.
Ms. Thitipat emphasized the ministry's commitment to strict legal compliance among business operators, especially concerning steel product standards. The initiative aligns with the Minister of Industry's policy to address substandard steel products and eliminate the zero-dollar business model, aiming to safeguard public safety and transform the industry into a modern and transparent economy.