Thailand Orders Nationwide Industrial-Waste Facility Inspections

Thailand’s industry minister announced nationwide industrial-waste facility inspections on 20 October 2026, following an unauthorised e-waste recycling case in Prachinburi the previous day. The Department of Industrial Works account attributes the direction to Minister Varawut Silpa-archa.

Nationwide Enforcement Direction

The minister identified around 3,000 licensed category 105 and 106 factories. Provincial industry offices were asked to accelerate inspections with police, local authorities and environmental agencies. This is an announced campaign, not a report that all 3,000 facilities have been inspected. DIW statement.

The response includes financial-flow investigations and coordination with specialist agencies to pursue legal proceedings and asset seizure against offending operators. Official account.

Import Controls Under Consideration

The minister also discussed considering tighter plastic-scrap import controls. The 20 October announcement establishes no new import restriction or business filing deadline. A 21 October official follow-up set a target to complete the inspection exercise within one to two months. This is a campaign-completion target, not a statutory deadline.