Veerayut emphasized that the next constitutional amendment must explicitly include "environmental crimes." He urged closing geopolitical loopholes after Thailand became a dumping ground for industrial waste, and advocated pushing the PRTR law to prosecute environmental criminals.
On 14 November 2026, the Criminology and Justice Studies program at the Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, held an academic seminar titled "Environmental Crime Crisis in Thailand: The Gray Economy, Justice, and Social Solutions" at Singdam Space, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University.
Veerayut Kanchuchat, party-list MP and deputy leader of the People's Party, participated as a speaker and discussed pollution problems in Prachinburi province and related enforcement actions. He addressed the illegal dumping of electronic waste and hazardous materials, mostly originating from wealthy countries. This issue is tied to geopolitics involving the U.S., China, and Europe, which are trying to export as much waste as possible out of their own countries. Thailand is one of the countries accepting this waste. Furthermore, in Thailand, the risk-reward calculation shows maximum fines for violations are about 600,000 baht, which is 25-50 times cheaper than actual treatment costs.
"At the leadership level (directors), policy makers, and politicians, it is necessary to recognize these loopholes that policies should address," he said.
Veerayut further noted the significant increase in imported aluminum scrap, which contrasts with reports submitted by government agencies to the House of Representatives committee. He proposed drafting the Act on Reporting and Disclosure of Pollutant Emissions and Transfers B.E. ... or the PRTR law. This is a regulatory law on imports. Currently, the People's Party is drafting circular economy legislation because data on hazardous waste imports and recycling remains unavailable.
For immediate solutions, in the case of pollution in Prachinburi province, violators must be prosecuted and rehabilitation processes established. In the long term, he suggested that the next constitutional amendment should include environmental crimes to impose harsher penalties. Additionally, new livelihood opportunities must be created for local communities and traditional economies to prevent their involvement in illegal activities.
