“Warawut” deployed a task force to continue cracking down on toxic waste factories, inspecting Samut Sakhon. They found 134 illegal operations, with one factory holding over 1,352 tons of waste remnants. Authorities ordered the seizure of hazardous materials for examination and analysis to determine their status as dangerous substances or not. This action is part of intensified enforcement efforts.
On 14 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, revealed that he received a report from Decha Jatuthananan, Chief Inspector of the Ministry of Industry and head of the special task force. Between 12 and 13 Nov 2026 GMT+7, the task force conducted strict inspections, supervision, and legal enforcement on factories numbered 105 and 106 (factories involved in sorting and landfill of waste or unused materials, and recycling factories) in Samut Sakhon. Out of 146 factories inspected, 134 were found violating the Factory Act (92%). Among these, 3 were ordered to cease operations temporarily under Section 39, paragraph one, and 54 faced criminal prosecution for various offenses. Authorities will continue legal procedures accordingly.
Warawut added that the Ministry of Industry will monitor corrective actions at factories numbered 105 and 106 to ensure compliance with the law. This is to guarantee these factory types do not cause harm to the public or environment. The Ministry aims to complete inspections of all 3,049 target factories nationwide by 2026 or, at the latest, early 2027.
Warawut called on the public to cooperate as watchdogs. If anyone notices abnormal factory behavior or suspects illegal operations, they can report tips to the Ministry of Industry’s 24-hour hotline at 1564. This will enable the Ministry to investigate and enforce the law seriously.
Warawut stated that Kris Chansuwan, Ministry of Industry Inspector and leader of the inspection team in Samut Sakhon, together with Puttikorn Wichaidit, Samut Sakhon’s provincial industry officer, reported on a factory in Mueang District authorized to dismantle and shred electrical and electronic equipment, shred plastics, sort non-hazardous materials, and crush, melt, and cast metal scraps for recycling.
Inspection revealed this factory violated orders from officials under Section 37 of the Factory Act B.E. 2535 by using unapproved machinery extensions. Outside the factory, metal melting and shredding with a 170-horsepower machine were observed, categorizing it as factory number 106 (recycling or waste reprocessing). Plastic shredding and melting with a 75-horsepower machine also took place, classifying it as factory number 53 (5), which did not match the factory license. This constituted illegal factory operation without proper authorization, violating laws on establishing and operating factories without permission.
Additionally, 1,352 tons of raw materials or unused substances were found stored outside the factory premises. The factory representative claimed these were raw materials kept for production processes. Authorities issued an order under Section 37 to suspend illegal actions under the Factory Act and seized the stockpiled materials. Samples were collected for analysis to verify if they are hazardous substances. If confirmed hazardous, legal action will proceed under the Hazardous Substances Act.