Bangkok: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is taking decisive steps to address the pressing issue of industrial waste management in the Eastern region, acknowledging the problem's widespread impact across several provinces.
According to Thai News Agency, the Director-General of the Pollution Control Department (PCD) has outlined plans to propose the formation of a ministerial-level working group to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. This initiative comes in response to the revelation that industrial waste issues are not confined to Prachinburi province but extend to other areas, including Chonburi, Rayong, Chachoengsao, and Saraburi. The proposed measures aim to enhance coordination and management of the problem across all affected regions.
Mr. Surin Worakitthamrong, head of the PCD, indicated that the proposed working group would likely be chaired by either the Permanent Secretary or Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. The Pollution Control Department will act as the secretariat, with involvement from provincial agencies, law enforcement, and other relevant organizations. The group will focus on emergency investigations and the detection of violations, ensuring swift action and legal proceedings against offenders.
In addition to forming the working group, a key strategy involves increasing the number of complaint centers nationwide. This will facilitate the public's ability to report pollution problems, enhancing the efficiency of investigations. The PCD is also planning to augment laboratory capabilities, with upgrades near Prachinburi to expedite the analysis of environmental samples. A temporary laboratory may be established if needed, to handle a high volume of samples.
Mr. Surin emphasized the urgency of completing these initiatives within the week, with structural details currently under final review before being presented to the Minister for approval. The Minister previously directed the PCD to investigate illegal waste dumping in Prachinburi and Sa Kaeo provinces, focusing on identifying waste sources, transportation routes, and dump sites.