Urgent action is underway against an illegal landfill in Rayong that has operated secretly for six months, with waste piled like a mountain and industrial residues found. Local residents fear toxic contamination seeping deeply into groundwater.
On 12 Jul 2026, residents in Pluak Daeng District, Rayong Province, reported to authorities after discovering mysterious piles of waste and scrap along the industrial development–Pluak Daeng road in Moo 4, Mae Nam Khu Subdistrict. They suspected the waste might be industrial or hazardous and worried that leachate could flow into Dok Krai Reservoir, a vital water source, or seep into groundwater.
Mr. Rungnirun Modsir, Mayor of Mae Nam Khu Municipality, local administration officials of Pluak Daeng District, and related agencies inspected the site and collected evidence. They found large amounts of waste including plastic scraps, foam pieces, rubber gloves, solvent cans, wood scraps, paper scraps, fabric scraps, and various other discarded materials piled in an old 5-rai pit in the middle of a pineapple field. The water in the pond was black and emitted a foul odor.
On 15 Jul 2026, Dr. Surin Warakithamrong, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), revealed that Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, ordered the PCD to coordinate with related agencies to investigate the case.
Preliminary water quality testing showed an acidic pH of 5.0. Samples were collected for analysis of heavy metals and contaminants to assess whether hazardous substances have leaked into the environment.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kanchai Thepworachai, Deputy Governor of Rayong Province, along with the Rayong Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office and related officials, re-inspected the site. The landowner claimed he allowed dumping to fill the pit for beneficial use, unaware it was illegal. Mae Nam Khu Municipality filed complaints against the landowner under the Public Health Act and Environmental Management Act, and posted notices banning further industrial waste dumping.
Proper waste removal is the responsibility of the landowner. If they fail to act, Mae Nam Khu Municipality will intervene and charge the landowner for cleanup services. All procedures will follow legal steps before clearing the waste piles.
Rayong Industry Office officials are preparing to file legal complaints against the landowner after confirming some waste originated from industrial factories. They are intensifying efforts to identify factories responsible for illegal dumping for prosecution.
Mr. Kanchai stated that some waste is industrial residue and authorities must identify the factories secretly dumping to prosecute them. Local authorities and the landowner are working rapidly to resolve the problem since dumping has continued for over six months. Relevant provincial agencies will form a task force to monitor and address the issue moving forward.
Special correspondent from Thairath Online. Further discussion on this issue with Mr. Watcharapong Sirirak, Rayong MP, District 5, Prachachon Party. The MP representing the area revealed that on 9 Jul 2026, nearby residents complained about an illegal landfill. Initially, continuous waste dumping formed a large mountain of trash, raising concerns over hazardous waste and toxic contamination of groundwater.
The site is somewhat remote from densely populated areas but some households remain nearby. The landowner reportedly excavated soil to sell, creating a deep pit, then allowed waste dumping at 400–800 baht per load. The waste included construction site debris, household garbage, and industrial waste from factories in industrial estates, with galloons of "accelerating hardener" a chemical used in construction and various factories.
Coordination occurred to inspect and discuss solutions with municipal agencies. Legal action has already been taken against the landowner, with investigations continuing to identify those responsible for dumping. Mae Nam Khu Municipality filed charges under Sections 18 and 19 of the Cleanliness and Orderliness Act of 1992.
If Rayong Industry Office confirms the waste is contaminated and classified as "hazardous material," strict legal measures will follow. The Pollution Control Department will assess suitable methods for soil and water source remediation.
"This site has not been used for dumping just yesterday, but waste has accumulated over some time. It is likely multiple parties have dumped here. We want this issue to gain public attention. If anyone knows of other sites, residents should report them without fear of powerful influences. We will take the lead in further action," he said.
The team will continue to monitor progress with related agencies and invite provincial teams to develop integrated long-term solutions to address this problem.
For a long-term fix, Mr. Watcharapong proposed a solution addressing upstream, midstream, and downstream. Firstly, all relevant agencies must use their legal authority to prosecute offenders under all applicable laws to cut off illegal landfills. Without illegal dumps, those needing waste disposal will be forced to manage waste legally.
He also suggested publicizing channels for citizens to report illegal landfills to MPs or relevant agencies for inspection and legal action.
Furthermore, since this waste may come from factories inside and outside industrial estates, a team should randomly inspect factories to verify if they hired waste disposal companies and have proper disposal receipts. Disposal facilities must provide certification reports to the Department of Industrial Works, with checks at every step.
