Thanakorn, Minister of Industry, has ordered strict control measures, halting operations and prohibiting the movement of industrial waste to prevent environmental impacts after fires occurred at two recycling plants in Prachinburi, with damages estimated at more than 20 million baht.
On 12 March 2026, Mr. Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Minister of Industry, spoke about the fire incidents at two adjacent waste sorting factories on 11 March in Mueang Kao Subdistrict, Kabin Buri District, Prachinburi Province. He said he has instructed the Prachinburi Provincial Industry Office to closely monitor the situation, support firefighting information, and coordinate continuously with local fire officials.
The Minister of Industry further stated that initial reports indicate the fire was contained within a limited area by 17:00 on 11 March, with no injuries or fatalities. Preliminary investigations found the fire originated at Wiriya Rungruang Recycle Co., Ltd., before spreading to Yutthanasin Recycle Co., Ltd. Both factories suffered damage to buildings, machinery, raw materials, and products, with initial estimated losses of 10 million baht per factory. It is preliminarily suspected that an electrical short circuit in the electrical control cabinet of Wiriya Rungruang caused sparks that ignited the entire building and spread to the neighboring Yutthanasin factory.
Mr. Thanakorn added that since both factories are listed as number 105 in non-hazardous waste sorting, the Prachinburi Provincial Industry Office will coordinate with the Department of Industrial Works to issue an order to temporarily suspend factory operations under Section 39 of the Factory Act B.E. 2535 (1992). He also ordered a ban on moving industrial waste so it can be disposed of and treated properly according to scientific principles, ensuring no environmental impact or safety risks to nearby residents.
"During the hot season, factory fires often occur frequently, sometimes more than three factories in a single week. Therefore, I have instructed the Department of Industrial Works to conduct a thorough on-site investigation to determine the causes and establish preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future," he said.