At the Cabinet meeting on 10 June 2026, Warawut, Minister of Industry, explained that the Department of Industrial Works allowed Xin Ke Yuan to reopen because it fully complied with the law. He noted that if inspections find the factory lacks industrial standards (TIS), it can be ordered to close again as needed.
At 09:15 on 10 June 2026 at Government House, Mr. Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, addressed the factors behind the Department of Industrial Works permitting Xin Ke Yuan Steel to resume operations. He said the decision to open or close rests with the Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works, and does not require the Industry Minister’s approval. According to reports received, under the conditions proposed by the department for closure, the company has now fully complied with all legal provisions. On 11 June, opposition parties may raise live questions on this issue, which provides a good opportunity for him to clarify and present preliminary solutions. He emphasized that public safety is the top priority for the Ministry of Industry and the current government.
When asked about the factory meeting standards but steel product quality still posing problems, Warawut said the Department of Industrial Works will provide him with information, as he only learned about this over the past weekend. If live questions are raised, he will present the facts and seek ways to reassure the public.
Asked whether the Department of Industrial Works can order closure again if the factory meets safety and quality standards but society and various sectors remain concerned about steel quality, Warawut said that if the steel does not meet industrial standards (TIS), that would be a key reason to require improvements. If improvements are not made, the factory will be ordered to close again.
Regarding the Xin Ke Yuan Steel factory’s construction plan in the environmental impact assessment (EIA), which included building a smelting furnace to separate impurities affecting steel quality, but in reality no smelting furnace was built, Warawut said he was verbally informed that the factory can use existing furnaces to improve molten steel quality, so the smelting furnace was deemed unnecessary. He said he will review the documents again and present what has happened along with plans to assure the public at the parliamentary session on 11 June.