Thai Official Investigates Chemical Leak and Nominee Links
Deputy Interior Minister Phonpeer Suwanachwe investigates a chemical leak in Prachinburi, uncovering nominee links to a prominent local family and involving the AMLO.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Deputy Interior Minister Phonpeer Suwanachwe investigates a toxic chemical leak in Prachinburi.
- Authorities uncover nominee shareholders crossing between two companies sharing the same accountant.
- The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) is called in to trace financial routes and land ownership.
On October 13, 2026, at 08.45 AM at the King Rama IX Monument square, Deputy Interior Minister Phonpeer Suwanachwe addressed the press regarding a chemical leak incident at a factory in Prachinburi province, which severely impacted local residents and flood-affected areas. Following an inspection visit three days prior, he confirmed finding serious irregularities and immediately coordinated with Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa to instruct ministry officials to inspect and shut down the factory.
Further investigation by the Ministry of Interior revealed suspicious connections between Thai and foreign entities, pointing toward a nominee structure. Officials discovered individuals from two specific Thai surnames holding cross-shares across two separate companies. Notable irregularities include one company increasing its registered capital from 5 million baht to 100 million baht, while another raised its capital to 300 million baht, holding assets valued at over 570 million baht. Furthermore, both companies utilized the same accounting firm and auditor.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Mr. Phonpeer stated that the Ministry of Interior has coordinated with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to audit financial trails and land holdings to verify their legality. If illegal activities are confirmed, assets will be liquidated, and authorities will cooperate with the Ministry of Industry to transport hazardous waste out of the area. Additionally, he instructed the acting Prachinburi governor to review compensation plans, noting that the factory's initial compensation proposals are inadequate and that civil or criminal legal actions must be pursued.
"The surnames we found in the two companies belong to a prominent family in Prachinburi province, but I must insist there will be no exception, following the Prime Minister's policy."
Phonpeer Suwanachwe
Context and Analysis: Cases involving nominee structures and cross-shareholding networks are classic tactics employed by illicit syndicates to obscure the true masterminds behind illegal hazardous waste dumping. Involving AMLO is a crucial step to pierce the corporate veil and target financial backers, as punitive measures against front companies alone rarely dismantle large-scale environmental crime networks.
Regarding import procedures, Mr. Phonpeer emphasized the need to scrutinize container inspections at ports and customs, noting that nearly all waste buried in Prachinburi is believed to be imported. Addressing the spread of toxins via floodwaters affecting local fisheries, he stressed that the damage cannot be dismissed as natural water stagnation. Both the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Interior are formulating compensation measures, while warning the public to exercise caution regarding food consumption. The investigation into nominee shareholders is expected to conclude this week.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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