On April 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., a significant inspection operation was carried out at a factory in Village No. 2, Bang Chuet Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Sakhon District, Samut Sakhon Province, led by Dr. Natthaphon Rangsitphon, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry. The factory, under scrutiny for purchasing cadmium tailings and zinc residue from Tak Province, was revisited by officials who uncovered additional quantities of cadmium residue concealed within the premises.
The inspection team, including Mr. Chulphong Thaweesri, Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works, and local administrative officials, discovered that the factory had attempted to hide the hazardous materials behind large objects, misleading the initial search. This detailed investigation revealed significant amounts of cadmium residue in various locations, both inside and outside the building, leading to an immediate suspension of operations for a thorough inventory, expected to be completed by the end of the day.
Additionally, authorities seized two trucks to ascertain their role in transporting the cadmium and zinc waste. This action is part of a broader crackdown following the Prime Minister’s directive to form a joint committee involving six agencies to address the cadmium waste issue comprehensively.
Dr. Natthaphon announced that apart from the site inspection, a meeting would be held later that day at the Samut Sakhon Provincial Hall to discuss the cadmium waste situation and implement a three-step action plan. This plan includes the safe transportation of all recovered waste back to the landfill in Tak Province, accounting for missing items, and developing preventive measures to avoid future occurrences of such environmental hazards.
