BANGKOK, Thailand – Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered an investigation into the illegal dumping of waste in Pluak Daeng district, Rayong province, directing relevant agencies to assess environmental impacts, pursue legal action against those responsible, and expedite cleanup efforts. Following the order, the Pollution Control Department (PCD), working with other agencies, inspected the site and found various types of waste dumped into a former excavation pit within a pineapple plantation. The discarded materials included plastic, foam, rubber gloves, chemical solvent containers, wood scraps, paper, and textile waste.
Preliminary water tests recorded a pH level of 5.0, indicating acidic conditions. Officials have also collected water samples for laboratory analysis to determine whether heavy metals or other contaminants are present. The PCD has instructed the landowner to remove the waste and dispose of it at authorized facilities. Meanwhile, local authorities are preparing legal action under the Public Health Act and the Cleanliness and Orderliness Act while ordering an immediate halt to the illegal dumping. The Rayong Provincial Industry Office will also consider action under the Hazardous Substances Act if laboratory results confirm the waste is hazardous. (NNT)
