Prachin Buri residents prepare 1,300-name factory closure petition and waste removal
Prachin Buri residents demand factory closure and waste removal as Varawut visits, with official findings on pollution complaints still pending.
- Residents in Prachin Buri are preparing a petition with 1,300 signatures to submit to Thailand's Industry Minister.
- The petition demands the closure of a factory and the prompt removal of stockpiled waste from the area.
- This action is in response to residents' concerns over wastewater discharges and chemical leaks, referred to as "rainbow water," contaminating water sources and agricultural land.
- The petition was prepared as the Industry Minister visited the region to inspect the factories, including Green Environment Technology Co Ltd, following the environmental complaints.
Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa visited Prachin Buri in eastern Thailand on October 19, 2026, to follow up complaints alleging wastewater discharges and chemical leaks from factories, as residents demanded closure and the removal of accumulated waste.
Varawut’s first stop was Green Environment Technology Co Ltd at Village No 6 in Hua Wa subdistrict, Si Maha Phot district. The inspection concerned complaints over so-called “rainbow water” in the area.
Residents prepare complaint bearing 1,300 names
Almost 100 residents from Si Maha Phot, Si Mahosot and Ban Sang districts gathered with placards while Varawut received a briefing from the provincial industry office. The residents called for an investigation, the closure of the factory and the prompt removal of waste stockpiled at the site.
“Residents are concerned that pollution could contaminate water sources and agricultural land, as well as affect the environment and their way of life,” said Pol Col Thanakrit Nueangphut, 64, a representative of the residents.
“We therefore want the relevant agencies to investigate the facts urgently. If wrongdoing or the impacts described in the complaints are established, we ask them to consider ending the operation and removing the waste from the area.”
The residents’ representatives were also preparing to submit a written complaint bearing 1,300 names to the industry minister, asking for urgent action and for their concerns to be heard directly.
Second factory inspection planned as findings remain pending
After inspecting Green Environment Technology, Varawut was scheduled to visit MY Metal Co Ltd in Krok Sombun subdistrict, Si Maha Phot district, to examine further complaints.
Official findings on the alleged environmental impacts remained pending from the relevant agencies. The investigations are intended to establish the facts transparently and ensure fairness to all parties.
