BANGKOK, Thailand – Authorities are investigating suspected illegal industrial waste dumping in Chonburi province after preliminary tests detected potentially hazardous substances. An inspection this week uncovered industrial and municipal waste buried across more than seven rai, or about 11,200 square meters in Banglamung district. Officials also discovered discarded cable insulation, plastic scraps, industrial waste bags, and evidence of burning.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Perisvivatana reported on October 29 that preliminary testing detected antimony concentrations of up to 720,000 parts per million (ppm), cadmium at 190,000 ppm, and lead at 360 ppm. Air quality measurements found no detectable volatile organic compounds, although inspectors reported chemical odors. Laboratory analysis is still required to confirm the findings and determine whether the materials qualify as hazardous waste.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered the Pollution Control Department to trace the waste’s origin and pursue legal action against those responsible. Environment and Pollution Control Office 13 filed a complaint with Nongprue Police Station on October 28 over suspected violations of industrial and hazardous substances laws. No suspects have been publicly identified.
Meanwhile, Nongprue Municipality has been asked to monitor the site and prevent the movement of suspicious materials. The Chonburi Provincial Industry Office was also scheduled to collect additional samples on October 29. Authorities will use the laboratory results to guide further legal action, prevent environmental contamination, and protect nearby communities. (NNT)
