80 Thai factories checked, one halted and 63 ordered to improve
Thai industry inspectors checked 80 factories in five provinces, halting one and ordering 63 to make improvements while considering closure of three others.
Thailand's Industry Ministry has ordered one factory to suspend operations temporarily and instructed 63 others to make improvements following inspections of 80 facilities during the first day of a nationwide industrial waste enforcement campaign.
Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa announced the findings on November 3, 2026, as authorities stepped up efforts to ensure that industrial waste treatment and disposal facilities comply with legal requirements and environmental standards.
The campaign targets 3,049 factories classified under Categories 105 and 106, with the initial inspections concentrated in five provinces identified as Group A priority areas.
Fifty inspection teams deployed across five provinces
The ministry deployed 50 special inspection teams, with 10 assigned to each of Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Prachin Buri and Samut Prakan.
Each team was led by a Ministry of Industry inspector-general, supported by officials from the Department of Industrial Works, the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Interior and local administrative authorities.
The first round covered 80 factories, comprising 26 Category 105 facilities, 52 Category 106 facilities and two factories operating in other categories.
The two additional facilities were involved in scrap metal compression and the melting of plastic products.
According to the inspection findings, one factory met the conditions for an order requiring the temporary suspension of operations and corrective measures under Section 39(1) of the Factory Act 1992, as amended.
Another 63 factories were identified for corrective action under Section 37(1) of the same legislation.
Three more factories face possible closure
A separate team of central government officials has also reviewed information relating to three factories in Samut Prakan, Chon Buri and Chachoengsao.
The facilities are being considered for closure orders, which would result in the revocation of their operating licences.
Varawut indicated that the necessary procedures were expected to be completed soon.
He described the initial inspections as the first large-scale deployment of the ministry's special enforcement teams and instructed officers to continue their work until all targeted factories had been examined.
The minister emphasised that officials must be prepared to take decisive action while remaining within their legal authority.
He also stressed that protecting residents living near industrial facilities and safeguarding the national interest must remain central to the operation.
Prachin Buri contamination concerns remain unresolved
Separately, Varawut addressed continuing concerns among Prachin Buri residents about chemical contamination in water flowing from industrial facilities.
He disclosed that the Department of Industrial Works had collected additional samples on October 31, including soil samples, to assess changes in contamination levels over time.
The tests are intended to establish whether concentrations of potentially harmful substances have increased or decreased compared with earlier measurements.
Varawut acknowledged that chemical residues were likely to remain in the affected areas.
He expressed concern that falling water levels could increase the concentration of chemicals remaining in waterways and rice paddies.
The minister indicated that laboratory testing could take approximately one week, although he expected findings from the water and soil samples to become available within the following two or three days.
Government to mediate compensation discussions
Varawut has called on the company involved to provide full compensation to residents affected by the contamination.
He explained that community representatives wanted government agencies to act as intermediaries in negotiations with the operator.
The issue prompted the prime minister to direct relevant agencies, particularly the Industry and Interior ministries, to coordinate their response.
The provincial governor has asked district chiefs to facilitate discussions between affected residents and the company over compensation.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment are expected to assess the damage.
Varawut reiterated that compensation should reach all affected residents and that the authorities would continue working to resolve their concerns.
