The Industry Subcommittee continues to pressure inspections of industrial waste disposal factories, urging the Department of Factory Inspection (DFI) to quickly provide a legal opinion that would allow orders to halt or close factories violating government directives due to noncompliance.
On 11 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Kriangsak Sudlapa, Chair of the Subcommittee on Reviewing Complaints and Industrial Issues under the Industry Committee, chaired a meeting to monitor the operations of Better World Green Public Company Limited in Saraburi province. Representatives from the Department of Factory Inspection (DFI), Department of Groundwater Resources, and Saraburi Provincial Industry Office were invited to explain the facts and progress of the investigation.
Mr. Kriangsak said the meeting highlighted urgent matters. The DFI reported issuing an order under Section 39 of the Factory Act B.E. 2535 (1992) requiring the company to rectify five deficiencies by 30 Sep 2026 GMT+7. However, the company has yet to complete all corrections and submitted only 4 of 10 requested documents despite two deadline extensions. The DFI is now preparing to file a complaint for obstructing officials.
Meanwhile, the Department of Groundwater Resources reported detecting various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a 111-meter-deep groundwater well inside the factory. This scientifically indicates groundwater contamination by unnatural chemicals. However, the contamination source remains unclear as officials have not yet accessed monitoring wells within the factory for sampling.
Furthermore, inspections of the industrial waste landfill face data limitations. Initial findings show landfill heights of approximately 20 and 14 meters, but exact height and volume cannot be confirmed due to lack of bottom-level data and original construction plans.
Mr. Kriangsak emphasized the need for serious, integrated action among agencies to establish complete, transparent facts leading to tangible solutions. The meeting proposed and assigned five key actions for involved agencies to expedite.
1. Designate Saraburi province as the lead agency for inspections, with the provincial governor coordinating joint inspections among relevant agencies. Should the company refuse cooperation or deny access, authorized agencies are to consider seeking court warrants per legal procedures.
2. Expedite summarizing inspection results and corrective actions. The DFI and Saraburi Provincial Industry Office are tasked with producing a latest inspection report comparing identified deficiencies with the company’s corrections point by point, clearly specifying responsible agencies and personnel.
3. Strengthen legal measures. The DFI is to draft legal opinions on administrative orders, appeals, and procedures for ordering factory suspension or closure if the company fails to comply with government directives, ensuring clear, enforceable law enforcement.
4. Conduct comprehensive checks on industrial waste transport routes from Ratchaburi to Saraburi, comparing quantities received with those disposed or forwarded, to ascertain facts and prevent improper waste management.
5. Develop continuous monitoring measures for community impact. The Department of Groundwater Resources will create plans to monitor groundwater quality and implement measures to protect the surrounding population.
The subcommittee chairman stressed the main goal is enabling all agencies to fully exercise their legal authority to protect citizens’ rights and safety, and to ensure industrial operations comply with laws and social and environmental responsibilities.
Mr. Kriangsak added he will propose designating Saraburi province as the primary coordinator for inspections to the Industry Committee for further coordination with related agencies. The subcommittee plans a follow-up meeting today (12 Nov 2026 GMT+7) to review progress.