Pathum Thani – The Lat Lum Kaeo district chief led relevant agencies to inspect the site where farmers suffered from a factory releasing rusty, oily water flowing into their rice fields and orchards. He also expressed a desire for both parties to engage in dialogue and reach a compromise.
On 7 July 2026, reporters reported that farmers in Village 3, Bo Ngoen Subdistrict, Lat Lum Kaeo District, Pathum Thani Province, complained to the Damrongtham Center and the media about a steel factory releasing wastewater characterized by rusty water and oil stains flowing through holes drilled almost at every section of the factory wall—three holes per wall—to let the factory's water flow into villagers' rice fields and orchards. This caused slow growth of rice plants and stunted kratom trees, an economic crop, with trunks eroded into hollow cavities and dying standing, incomplete leaves, and fish in the water dying from lack of oxygen. It remains unclear whether the factory's water contains toxins or substances causing these effects.
This situation has persisted for many years. Previously, villagers assumed the pollution came from underground water. The issue surfaced recently when villagers removed grass covering the fence line of the steel factory and discovered rust and oil stains on the wall with water leaking through holes. They recorded videos as evidence before reporting to authorities. Importantly, Bo Ngoen Subdistrict is entirely designated as a green zone, so villagers question how the factory was permitted to operate there and which agency authorized it. They seek clarification on this matter, as previously reported.
Most recently, on 6 July 2026, Mr. Siraphop Niyomdej, Lat Lum Kaeo district chief, accompanied by Police Lieutenant Colonel Sanyalak Maliwan, Head of Intelligence at the Pathum Thani Internal Security Operations Command; Ms. Cholalai Motsornthip, Lat Lum Kaeo district agriculture officer; Mr. Nipon Jansawang, Lat Lum Kaeo district public health officer; Mr. Ruangsak Sriphet, deputy head of Bo Ngoen Subdistrict Administrative Organization; Mr. Naret Preechateerasat, village headman of Bo Ngoen; legal officers; and other relevant agencies,
traveled to house number 1/5, Village 3, Bo Ngoen Subdistrict, Lat Lum Kaeo District, Pathum Thani Province, the home of Mr. Athichon Chue Dee, 57, a farmer and complainant to the Damrongtham Center. They held a discussion to hear his account, with all agencies listening for about one hour. Afterwards, they inspected the rice fields, land, and irrigation water conditions, as well as the surrounding factory wall. Initially, they found the factory had plastered the holes where water had been flowing out. The officials took photographs, dug soil samples, and collected water to test for pH and chemical contaminants. Then, the district chief and team proceeded to inspect inside the steel factory, but the factory denied media access to observe.
Mr. Siraphop Niyomdej, Lat Lum Kaeo district chief, stated that today he and officials from related agencies observed and listened to the villagers' problems. The Bo Ngoen Subdistrict Administrative Organization previously notified the factory owner, who reportedly sealed the wall holes letting water flow into villagers' fields. Today, the district agricultural office dug soil and water samples to send to the Department of Agriculture for testing contamination levels and to assess effects on rice and kratom growth.
The district public health office will also test the water containing rust and oil stains as complained by villagers. They will analyze the extent of impact on villagers' rice fields and orchards. The results will depend on verification by relevant agencies. Regarding the factory's permit to operate in the green zone, inquiries will be made to the provincial industry office, which is the responsible authority.
Regarding conflicts between the factory and residents, as they live in close proximity, many points of friction arise. Ultimately, the district chief urged both parties to engage in compromise and dialogue rather than confront each other stubbornly, which would prolong and complicate the issue. He expressed hope for mediated talks facilitated by a neutral party.
Mr. Athichon Chue Dee, the affected farmer, said he felt relieved and encouraged that the district chief and officials came to inspect in person. At least now the reality can be seen firsthand, confirming the situation is real and not fabricated. He requested fairness in addressing the issue and urged all agencies to seriously assist and prioritize the hardships faced by the villagers and farmers.