The Parliamentary Committee on Political Development calls for urgent resolution of illegal toxic waste dumping in Prachinburi, pointing out that only 4–5 officers are available for oversight, resulting in insufficient monitoring, and questions how the government can be ready to join the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) under these circumstances.
On 17 Sep 2026 GMT+7, the Parliamentary Committee on Political Development, Mass Communication, and Public Participation, chaired by Ms. Phakmon Noon-anun, held a session to study the problem of illegal dumping and industrial management in Prachinburi province, as well as to assess Prachinburi's readiness and limitations for joining the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project.
In the morning, civil society representatives highlighted pollution issues in the area, noting that these problems currently impact both public health and residents' way of life. They presented photographic and audio evidence from communities, including cases of black wastewater flowing into residential areas and the Prachinburi River, as well as foul odors causing symptoms among schoolchildren such as eye irritation and headaches, requiring mask use and medication to alleviate effects.
The civil society network reported having identified at least 67 illegal toxic waste and wastewater dumping sites in Prachinburi. These include electronic waste and chemical disposal, solvent dumping, discharging wastewater into agricultural land and public canals, and leakage from unprotected wastewater ponds. There have also been multiple fires at waste pits in national forest reserves, affecting communities and patients. From 2017 to 15 Aug 2026, there were at least 24 industrial accidents, with impacted factories concentrated in Sri Maha Phot and Kabin Buri districts across more than 53 locations, including nearly 20 illegal factories still in operation.
Complaints were also raised regarding access to pollution analysis data. Residents stated they submitted letters to relevant agencies multiple times but received inadequate responses. Some industrial waste evidence collected by police as exhibits was reportedly destroyed, according to police notifications.
The Prachinburi Provincial Industry Office, representing the governor, clarified that the province has conducted investigations and prosecutions in several cases. They have performed site visits, sample collections, and filed legal complaints, issuing administrative orders requiring proper disposal by responsible parties. They also noted that much toxic waste was brought from other areas for clandestine dumping in abandoned gravel pits and burial sites.
The Provincial Industry Office acknowledged the issue as an "urgent problem" and is compiling illegal dumping cases to propose to the Department of Industrial Works for using the rehabilitation fund. They plan to collect costs from landowners or suspects and promised to develop Public Mapping to disclose information for public monitoring. However, they admitted only having 4–5 officers, limiting comprehensive inspection capabilities.
The Department of Industrial Works stated it is pushing for amendments to factory and industrial waste laws to establish a fund for compensation and area rehabilitation. The Minister of Industry has instructed consideration of factory closures for severe impacts. Detecting underground industrial waste requires budget and scientific expertise; a mid-2027 budget request is being prepared. Disclosure of laboratory results follows agency regulations.
The Parliamentary Committee questioned agencies about the effectiveness of current measures, noting that their responses remain unchanged despite ongoing problems. They emphasized that if the province acknowledges this as an urgent issue, faster and more concrete actions are needed beyond routine committee formations, including legal measures such as temporary court injunctions or suspending operations when necessary.
The committee also proposed the Prachinburi Provincial Industry Office create Public Mapping compiling illegal dumping sites, types of chemicals or industrial waste found, responsible agencies or parties, and rehabilitation status, enabling public access and tracking. They raised concerns about discretion in penalizing factories, recommending license revocation for repeated offenses, and called for clear criteria and evidence standards for underground industrial waste excavation.
To address the issue, the Parliamentary Committee plans to send letters to the Minister of Industry, Minister of Interior, and Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration to report facts and urge prompt action. They will also refer the matter to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate neglect under Section 157 and consider administrative court proceedings against officials for negligence or delays.
Additionally, the committee will coordinate with the National Police Inspector General to examine the case of missing or destroyed hazardous waste evidence, verifying whether procedures complied with legal requirements. They questioned whether the Prachinburi Provincial Industry Office, with only 4–5 staff, is adequately prepared for the province's integration into the EEC.
In the afternoon, the committee reviewed Prachinburi's readiness and limitations for joining the EEC. Civil society expressed concerns about extending the EEC to Prachinburi, fearing it may lead to urban plan changes and increased factories with pollution risks, potentially worsening illegal dumping and chemical contamination affecting community health and water sources. They recommended focusing on sustainable agricultural economic development and leveraging local potential rather than solely expanding industry.
The Board of Investment (BOI) explained that investment promotion must be strictly aligned with environmental laws, welcoming complaints for factory impact investigations and considering revocation of incentives if violations are found.
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) shared civil society's concerns about EEC expansion, suggesting evaluation of the current EEC area's cost-effectiveness first. If expansion to Prachinburi proceeds, clear justification and comprehensive assessments of economic, social, environmental, and public quality of life impacts must be conducted before approval.