Thanakorn orders strict control over illegal battery disposal factories nationwide, instructing the Permanent Secretary to send letters to provincial industry offices to expedite inspections and report back within one month.
On 5 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Minister of Industry, revealed that he has instructed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry to issue letters to industry offices in all provinces. They are to urgently inspect and strictly manage illegal battery disposal factories and substandard hazardous waste management plants. They must report their findings within one month to prevent pollution risks and ensure public safety. This action follows recent discoveries of unauthorized factories and those lacking proper standards for hazardous waste handling, especially those involved in battery disposal. Improper management could severely impact the environment and the well-being of nearby residents.
The Minister of Industry added that the issue of illegal battery disposal factories not only poses environmental and health risks but also undermines confidence in the country's industrial system. Therefore, laws and regulations must be rigorously enforced, especially through proactive inspections, to prevent illegal factories from operating within the economy. This effort also includes supervising substandard products in the market, particularly imported goods, alongside comprehensive hazardous waste management to restore confidence among domestic and international manufacturers.
“This measure is a key part of the Ministry of Industry’s policy drive 'Break Through - Overcome - Pull - Push,' which aims to systematically tackle illegal factories and pollution at the source. Close monitoring is in place to ensure swift and tangible enforcement of the law,” he said. Thanakorn said.