SAMUT PRAKAN, 22nd June 2018 (NNT) – Police have inspected a plastic bead production facility in Samut Prakan province following complaints from locals of long standing pollution.

Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Police Pol Gen Weerachai Songmetta, today led police and agents of other relevant agencies, including the Department of Industrial Warehouses and the Customs Department, in enacting a warrant to search Fong Yian Factory in Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan province. The warrant was issued after complaints by residents of Gusto Theparak Village that the plastic bead manufacturing plant was emiting air pollution and noxious gases.

The check found the factory was mishandling carcinogenic evaporates and had neglected a prior order to remedy the situation.

Samut Prakan Governor Chartchai Uthaiphan ordered the stoppage of the facility, saying that it must be equipped with water and air filters if it wishes to reopen.

The action took place as a network of citizens from seven provinces impacted by the import of electronic waste sent the Prime Minister a document calling for a resolution of the matter, including a ban on the import of materials and better checks on authorization for facilities. Members from Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Samut Sakhon, Petchburi, Ratchaburi and Saraburi handed their demand to the government’s 1111 complaints office. The document contained data indicating Thailand has been importing hazardous electronic waste for years in high volumes with a spike after the Ministry of Industry issued an order waiving the Hazardous Materials Act, third Dangerous Materials Act and several international agreements.

National News Bureau Of Thailand | Police search plastics factory spewing pollution in Samut Prakan