Prachinburi —
On November 2nd, 2024, the Thai Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), in collaboration with relevant agencies, raided an illegal industrial waste recycling facility in the Sri Maha Phot District in Prachinburi.
During the inspection, officials discovered over 41.5 tons of hazardous Class 3 chemicals, including antimony, beryllium, cadmium, lead, arsenic, mercury, and thallium.
Previously, three recycling companies in the area had been ordered to cease operations and had their licenses revoked by the Department of Industrial Works due to violations of factory regulations.
However, the plants reportedly continued operating illegally. The investigation led to the arrest of Zhang Kou Tong, a 46-year-old Chinese engineer, for unauthorized possession of hazardous substances.
He was taken to the Rabo Phai police station for further legal proceedings.
These hazardous materials were allegedly being processed to extract lead, copper, and aluminum for export to China. Officials warned that if exposed to water, the chemicals could produce ammonia, posing severe health risks, including dizziness and increased cancer risk.
