Bangkok:The Pheu Thai Party has proposed an urgent motion aimed at establishing a special committee to tackle the ongoing crisis of toxic waste contamination and land degradation, which has been exacerbated by recent severe flooding. The situation has significantly impacted agriculture and fishing sectors in Thailand's Prachinburi and Chachoengsao provinces, affecting over 270,000 rai of land.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chaturon Chaisang, a list MP from the Pheu Thai Party, announced the party's plan to submit an urgent oral motion to the House of Representatives. The proposed committee would focus on studying the contamination of chemical and industrial waste and developing strategies to prevent, mitigate, restore, and compensate those affected in terms of economics, society, quality of life, and the environment. The flooding has revealed industrial waste spreading into the rivers, causing massive fish deaths and damage to agricultural land, with farmers now awaiting water and soil toxicity test results to determine if cultivation can resume.
The contamination has further affected water sources used for consumption. The Ministry of Public Health has reported findings of heavy metals in the blood of hundreds of individuals, including two cases in Prachinburi province exceeding standard levels. This situation poses a risk to economic confidence and investment. Inspections of factories, particularly types 105 and 106 involved in waste separation, landfill, and recycling, have revealed many in need of improvement. Of the 3,049 factories nationwide, 1,500 are located in the eastern provinces, with Chonburi having the highest number. Inspections found 63 factories needing improvements and one ordered to close, but the thoroughness of these inspections remains in question.
Furthermore, Pheu Thai Party MPs have compiled data indicating 61 illegal toxic waste dumping sites across several provinces, including Sa Kaeo and Chiang Rai. This issue is linked to the NCPO Order 4/2016, which allowed certain waste recycling plants to operate in unsuitable areas but was repealed in 2016. The Pheu Thai Party aims to address these concerns comprehensively by submitting their motion on November 12th. The establishment of a special committee is seen as vital to restoring confidence among farmers, entrepreneurs, and investors by ensuring that investments will not face unforeseen environmental problems.