The Industry Ministry is joining forces with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, along with various related agencies, to draft an urgent plan aimed at helping regions recently afflicted by chemical waste contamination, announced Nattapol Rangsitpol, the permanent secretary of the Industry Ministry, on Monday. Reflecting gravely on the illegal dumping incidents across Rayong, Ayutthaya, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Phetchabun, Nattapol emphasized their commitment to a long-term solution. In a strategic move, the ministry has deployed a specialized team to monitor severe complaint zones as they tirelessly work on a permanent fix.
In response to the escalating environmental crisis, the Industry Ministry has formed a potent alliance with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Industrial Works, the Department of Pollution Control, and the Department of Groundwater Resources. Together, they are crafting an action plan to curb and eventually eradicate chemical leaks, particularly focusing on six high-priority locations.
Nattapol highlighted these emergent locations: Win Process Co in Rayong, a waste and hazardous substance storage warehouse in Ayutthaya, Aek Uthai Company in Ayutthaya, Suntech Chemical and Logistics Company in Ayutthaya, and two notorious illegal dumping spots in Chachoengsao. This expansive action plan received a nod from the Pollution Control Committee in their recent Friday meeting and now awaits further consideration by the National Environment Board scheduled for this month.
Under this comprehensive plan, the Hazardous Substances Management Committee has already greenlit a budget of 4 million baht dedicated to neutralizing and disposing of aluminum waste at Win Process in Rayong. Additionally, another substantial 6.9 million baht has been allocated for hiring a disposal firm to tackle the mounting waste and hazardous substances in Ayutthaya’s Phachi district, alongside a 4 million baht budget earmarked for cleanup operations around the Aek Uthai buildings.
Furthermore, the committee has mandated relevant agencies to extend help to those impacted by the Aek Uthai branch issues in Phetchabun. They will also collaborate closely with the Royal Thai Police and other enforcement bodies to bring the culprits to justice.
During the ongoing operations, the Pollution Control Committee has directed the Ministry of Industry to enforce a prohibition on the utilization of contaminated lands around Win Process in Rayong through a court order. An active working team has now been tasked with establishing stringent guidelines to prevent any use of polluted land until it has been fully deemed safe again.
This multi-layered approach signifies a paramount effort by the Industry Ministry and its allies to not only rectify the immediate hazards but also instill a robust framework to prevent future pollution incidents. Amidst this environmental crusade, Nattapol’s leadership underscores an unwavering dedication to restoring the ecological balance and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for the communities affected by these hazardous wastes. As these initiatives unfold, the collaborative tableau of governmental bodies and agencies promises a greener, safer tomorrow.
Finally, the government is stepping up. This kind of contamination is ruining lives!
Let’s see if they actually follow through or just waste more taxpayer money.
It’s about time they do something. People have suffered enough already.
Exactly! We need to hold them accountable if they don’t.
The budget allocations seem promising, but I hope the execution isn’t flawed like usual.
Those contaminated lands are harming agriculture. This plan can’t come soon enough.
While I sympathize, isn’t it partly because some farmers don’t dispose of waste properly too?
True, but this is on a way bigger scale. The corporations responsible should be held liable.
Absolutely! These big companies need stricter regulations.
Hopefully, this also means proper compensation for the farmers affected.
My kids play near one of these areas. I’m worried about their health!
You should probably move until it’s cleaned. Kids are more vulnerable to these toxins.
I wish I could, but moving isn’t an option right now.
There should be free health checks for those living close to these contaminated zones.
It’s infuriating that illegal dumping still happens. Stronger penalties are necessary!
I agree, but enforcement is always lacking. The real question is, will this time be different?
If enough people speak up, hopefully, it will make a difference.
Doubt it. Corruption runs too deep.
We need to work on community awareness and reporting too. People need to be vigilant.
Allocating 4 million baht for cleanup sounds good, but past track records aren’t reassuring.
Right? They need to be transparent about how this money is spent.
Transparency in government spending? Pretty unlikely.
Indeed, we’ll need citizen watchdog groups to oversee the process.
I’m for any plan that brings us closer to a cleaner environment. Hope this works.
The collaboration between ministries is crucial. Let’s hope they coordinate effectively.
This initiative sounds well-planned. If executed properly, it could be a turning point.
It’s a shame it took this long for authorities to take these incidents seriously.
I’m skeptical until I see actual results. Actions speak louder than words.
Sometimes plans do succeed! Let’s give them a chance first.
I hope you’re right. We’ll see.
I feel for the communities affected. More emphasis should be put on rehab programs.
Emphasis on preventive measures can save everyone a lot of trouble down the line.
How come the local municipalities weren’t more proactive? Seems like negligence on their part too.