Thanakorn launched an offensive by deploying the "Full Force Team" to cut off the illegal battery network, declaring his commitment to protect the public without defending anyone's interests. He instructed all agencies to take real action—strict inspections, seizures, closures, and prosecutions—to begin a new era for the country's used battery management system.
On 17 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Minister of Industry, revealed that pollution from used battery management remains a serious concern. Over 25% of used batteries in the country—about 60,000 tons annually—disappear from the system, mostly melted in unlicensed, substandard illegal factories. These factories release toxins such as lead, acid, and heavy metal dust into soil, water sources, air, and communities, severely impacting health—including the nervous system, kidneys, respiratory system, and child development. This silent pollution has accumulated over time, affecting the public and the country’s ecosystem.
The Minister of Industry added that he has ordered the Department of Industrial Works and provincial industrial offices nationwide to collaborate with the police and local agencies to launch immediate urgent operations. They must strictly inspect high-risk factories, seize and detain illegal production sites, and prosecute all offenders. Additionally, the "Full Force Team" has been deployed to risk areas to dismantle underground factory networks polluting communities. He emphasized that action will be taken promptly without waiting for reports, focusing on speed, seriousness, and tangible results. Crucially, direct reports must come to him to accelerate investigations, prosecutions, and strengthen control systems.
Thanakorn further stated that for long-term measures, the Ministry of Industry will continue proactive crackdowns while assigning related agencies to rapidly develop a new system structure throughout the supply chain. This includes standards for tracing used batteries (Traceability), upgrading factory supervision to Green Industry standards, integrating with Circular Economy and Net Zero initiatives, and preparing measures to support the battery and EV industries to create a strong, modern, and sustainable system.
"I will not allow the public to suffer from toxic exposure or watch our children grow up amid pollution with no one taking responsibility. We will stop this problem because my duty is to protect the people, not to protect anyone's interests. I assure you that from today onward, we will no longer allow toxins to harm Thai people. This marks the beginning of a new era for the country’s used battery management system," Thanakorn declared. >> Thanakorn's closing remarks <<