The government uses data to identify high-risk factories, detecting 767 legal violations and ordering 131 to cease operations. Most offending factories are located in the EEC and adjacent provinces. Authorities are intensifying oversight to prevent responsible operators from being disadvantaged.
On 31 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Lalida Pertviwatana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government is enhancing factory oversight to be more effective and targeted. The Ministry of Industry shifted from routine inspections to proactive checks by using data and technology to detect anomalies and pinpoint high-risk factories, enabling faster and more precise inspections.
This system analyzes multiple data points, such as industrial waste management inconsistent with production data; imbalances in water, electricity, and raw material usage relative to production processes or output; and potential trade fraud indicators. When irregularities appear, data is sent to local officers via the i-Auditor system to set inspection standards, record findings, and generate electronic reports that can be audited retrospectively.
In 2026, the Ministry of Industry found 767 factories nationwide operating illegally. Among these, 131 were ordered to suspend operations, 636 were instructed to make corrections, and 391 faced legal proceedings. More than 53% of these factories are located in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and surrounding provinces.
The Deputy Spokesperson emphasized the government's commitment to protecting citizens and ensuring fair competition in the industrial sector. Operators who invest in treatment systems, waste management, and safety standards should not be disadvantaged by those cutting costs through illegal practices.
"The government does not aim to burden compliant operators but wants all factories to compete on a level playing field. Responsible businesses that care for their communities and the environment should not be undercut by rule-breakers. Using data and the i-Auditor system will enable more precise, transparent, and traceable inspections," she said.
Beyond government data analysis, the Ministry of Industry invites public and community involvement in monitoring through the "Report to Industry" channel. Citizens can submit tips or issues related to factories, specifying the location, nature of the problem, date and time, and any evidence they can safely collect. This helps officials respond and resolve issues more promptly.
Ms. Lalida stated that the Ministry is revising related laws, including amendments to the Factory Act to increase penalties, incorporate repeat offense histories in licensing decisions, and require inspections before factories ordered to stop or fix issues can resume operations. The Ministry is also drafting a Waste Management Act. These legal proposals are still under consideration and not yet in force.
"The government will continue regulating factories with a balance between promoting the economy, protecting public health, and preserving the environment, enabling Thailand’s industry to grow under uniform standards and build confidence among communities, operators, and investors," she concluded.