Thailand orders urgent probe into chemical waste dump site
Natural Resources and Environment Minister orders Pollution Control Department to inspect chemical waste and e-waste dumped near water sources in Chonburi.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Minister Suchart Chomklin ordered the Pollution Control Department to investigate
- Suspicious e-waste and chemical materials dumped near water in Nong Prue
- Incident reported by local residents on February 19, 2026
- Landowner purchased materials at 2,000 baht per trip via three trailer loads
Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, has issued an urgent directive instructing the Pollution Control Department to investigate a public complaint regarding suspicious materials resembling chemical waste and electronic waste dumped near water sources in Chonburi province, aiming to prevent environmental damage and health hazards.
Dr. Surin Worakitthamrong, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department, stated that officials will thoroughly examine the nature and category of the dumped materials. If identified as hazardous waste, legal actions will be strictly enforced against the landowner under the Hazardous Substances Act, alongside coordinating with relevant law enforcement agencies to penalize wrongdoers.
The illegal dumping of industrial and electronic waste near water resources poses a severe threat to ecosystems, as toxic heavy metals can easily leach into soil and contaminate groundwater or surface water utilized by local communities for agriculture and consumption. Swift intervention by local authorities is crucial to contain environmental contamination.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The incident came to light on February 19, 2026, after residents in Moo 9, Nong Prue sub-district, Phanat Nikhom district, notified the village headman about the dumped materials near local water sources out of concern for environmental safety. The district chief subsequently dispatched assistant district officers to inspect the site, secure the area to prevent any relocation of materials, and coordinate with the provincial industry office.
During preliminary questioning, the landowner admitted to purchasing the materials at a price of 2,000 baht per trip, transported via three trailer loads with the intention of sorting and using the remainder for land leveling. Upon realizing the activity might violate legal regulations, the owner agreed to halt all operations and await inspection by authorities.
Moving forward, Environmental and Pollution Control Office Region 13 will coordinate with the Chonburi Natural Resources and Environment Office and Phanat Nikhom district officials to resolve the issue and properly manage the waste in accordance with legal procedures.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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