Warawut has established 50 teams to inspect over 1,500 potentially illegal factories in five provinces starting 2 Nov 2026. The goal is to shut down all illegal factories by 2027. He urged relevant authorities to strictly inspect imported electronic waste to prevent false declarations.
At 09:20 on 27 Oct 2026 at the Government House, Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, addressed the Customs Department’s discovery of containers smuggling electronic waste and hazardous materials. He said the investigation must verify whether the destination factories hold permits from the Department of Industrial Works. If permitted, they must check if the imported waste matches the declared type and quantity. Sometimes claims of electronic waste destruction at the destination are false because the destination does not actually exist. He thanked Customs for inspecting containers before they leave the port, which helps reduce potential damage. Once containers leave the port, it is difficult to recall them, like releasing a giant from a bottle.
Regarding special supervision by the Department of Industrial Works, Warawut said that over recent months, he instructed the Ministry of Industry, through the Permanent Secretary, to form 50 teams comprising provincial industry officers nationwide. These teams will inspect high-risk areas in five provinces: Chonburi, Rayong, Chachoengsao, Samut Prakan, and Prachinburi. Currently, Thailand has about 3,049 factories ranked 105 and 106, with around 1,500 in these five provinces. Starting 2 November, all these factories will be inspected. Those failing standards will face legal action. Teams will coordinate with local administrative organizations, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Ministry of Interior. He believes illegal factories will begin closing by year-end, with a goal to eliminate them nationwide by 2027. He also called for vigilance against outsiders engaging in activities and urged the public to report suspicious cases to the Ministry’s hotline 1564, which will prompt inspections.
Warawut emphasized that while many factories operate properly, a significant number are illegal. Therefore, the Ministry of Industry will collaborate with all relevant agencies. The Prime Minister has also instructed this issue in the Cabinet meeting last week and during other encounters. It is expected that further orders from the Prime Minister’s Office will be issued within this week.
On whether suspending electronic waste imports would affect Thailand’s recycling industry, Warawut said a suspension is not yet decided and discussions are ongoing. The key point is not to block imports but to ensure all parties work together to prevent false declarations. It is crucial to verify what is imported and whether it matches the declarations.