Bangkok: The Ministry of Industry has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its factory regulation system, focusing on tightening processes related to licensing, factory supervision, and law enforcement. This initiative is aimed at enhancing public safety and environmental protection through the integration of advanced technology and data systems.
According to Thai News Agency, this overhaul marks the first instance of utilizing the e-license system, iSingleForm, and the i-Auditor factory inspection system in tandem. These systems will enable thorough data linkage and exchange, providing a more robust framework for monitoring and enforcement. The Ministry's approach to supervision and penalties is undergoing significant revisions, prioritizing public safety and environmental protection, alongside amendments to existing factory and industrial waste laws.
Mr. Nattapol Rangsitpol, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, highlighted the pressing issue of illegal activities within industrial factories, such as unauthorized wastewater discharge, excessive air pollution, and illegal industrial waste dumping. He noted that these violations have substantial impacts on the economy, public health, and the ecosystem. In response, the Ministry, through the Department of Industrial Works, the Office of Industrial Economics, and the Office of the Permanent Secretary, is overhauling the factory regulation mechanism from licensing to law enforcement.
The overhaul includes three key components:
1. Approval (e-license): The implementation of a full electronic system for factory operating licenses aims to reduce bureaucratic discretion, enhance transparency, and shorten review times by over 28 days. This system is grounded in engineering principles and legal standards.
2. Monitoring and Verification (iSingleForm / i-Auditor / Industry Notification): The iSingleForm system enables businesses to conduct self-assessments and analyze data on resource usage. This will help identify irregularities and high-risk factories. Additionally, the "Report Industry" channel will allow the public to report suspicious activities. Real-time on-site inspections will be conducted using the i-Auditor system, with results linked to a "factory medical record" system for immediate tracking of violations.
3. Strict Law Enforcement: The Ministry plans to shift from delayed corrective actions to ordering immediate cessation of operations if violations are detected, such as improper wastewater discharge or chemical waste management. This approach aims to disrupt pollution cycles and incentivize businesses to expedite improvements.
The Ministry is also expediting revisions to the Factory Act and drafting a new Industrial Waste Management Act to strengthen penalties and establish a sustainable long-term environmental protection mechanism.