RAYONG, Thailand – The Ministry of Industry has completed the cleanup of hazardous aluminum dross at Win Process Co., Ltd. in Rayong’s Ban Khai district, resolving a 15-year environmental crisis in just 46 days. Under Minister of Industry Akanat Promphan’s leadership, over 5,400 metric tons of toxic waste was removed ahead of schedule and at a fraction of the initial cost estimate. By collaborating with private sector partners and utilizing funds previously deposited by the company, the operation was completed for only 3.09 million baht, saving over 67 million baht in projected expenses.
To prevent further contamination, authorities have reinforced embankments, sealed wastewater ponds, and redirected rainwater away from the site. Local officials will continue monitoring the area, particularly during the rainy season, to ensure long-term environmental protection. The Ministry of Industry has also pledged to extend cleanup efforts to other hazardous waste sites nationwide, holding industrial operators accountable for proper waste disposal.
Plans are underway to expand waste treatment operations nationwide, with strategies developed from the Rayong cleanup being applied to sites in Ratchaburi and Ayutthaya. The Ministry has allocated 40 million baht for the 2025 fiscal year to address 4,000 tons of hazardous waste, while an additional 459 million baht is being requested from the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) budget for treating 24,300 tons of waste in 2026. Environmental safeguards will be prioritized in all operations.
To enhance public oversight, the Ministry of Industry is encouraging citizens to report illegal or hazardous industrial activities through the “Jang Ut” (Industrial Watch) feature on the Traffy Fondue platform. The system operates 24/7, allowing communities to alert authorities to potential environmental risks. (NNT)
