Warawut clarified that he never said he didn’t know what to do about the illegal electronic waste recycling plant issue, but expressed deep concern. He ordered a nationwide sweep inspection, initiated an investigation into financial trails and asset seizures, stressing no exceptions. He confirmed no celebrity in Prachinburi contacted him to intervene.
On 20 Oct 2026 GMT+7 at the Government House, Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, addressed media reports following his inspection of an unauthorized electronic waste recycling plant in Prachinburi Province. He said that one media outlet headlined that he didn’t know how to handle the problem, which he denied. Instead, he described the situation as disheartening and emphasized the urgent need for serious corrective action.
Yesterday, he had the opportunity to discuss with the Prime Minister, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO). Since the case involves illegal disposal of industrial waste, it is necessary to examine the financial aspects by investigating the financial flows of company shareholders involved in the wrongdoing.
Warawut said that during the inspection, foreigners were found to be involved, raising suspicions regarding how they obtained ID cards. This requires investigation into the connection with financial routes. Legal actions will be pursued, including prosecution and asset seizures of offending operators. An important issue is tightening import controls, especially for plastic scraps, considering measures to limit imports to prevent environmental problems. He called on local residents to help monitor, since eliminating illegal factories cannot rely on any single agency alone.
Problems found in Prachinburi include factories encroaching on protected forest areas, which falls under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's responsibility. Factories operating without construction permits are under the Ministry of Industry’s jurisdiction. Financial trails and benefits will be coordinated with AMLO for asset seizure. The investigation will also cover nominee shareholders, requiring involvement from the Ministry of Interior.
Warawut said the upcoming work approach involves coordinating all agencies as discussed with the Prime Minister. Currently, about 3,000 factories licensed under types 105 and 106 operate nationwide. He has requested all provincial industrial offices to accelerate factory inspections, integrating efforts with the Ministry of Interior, local administration, police, provincial natural resources and environment offices, and related agencies to comprehensively inspect factories across the country.
Asked whether this situation presents an opportunity for a nationwide sweep inspection, given the analogy that when water recedes, stumps emerge, Warawut replied that he will indeed use this chance to inspect factories nationwide. He emphasized support for legally operating factories but urged those without permits or knowingly operating illegally to promptly correct their status. If permits are still pending, operations should not proceed to prevent irreversible environmental damage.
Regarding rumors that a celebrity in Prachinburi called the minister to seek assistance or to have the case shelved, Warawut confirmed no such calls were received yesterday. He stated that he, Suchart Chomklin, and all involved parties share the same policy: no matter how famous the offender, legal action will be strictly enforced without exceptions.
Warawut added that if calls came from unrecorded numbers, he might not have answered, but he firmly denied any calls seeking to resolve or assist offenders. The only way to resolve the issue is to ensure all operations comply with the law, and if violations are found, legal proceedings will continue accordingly.