Discovered: Approximately 50,000 metric tonnes of hidden industrial debris unearthed in the EEC by the Ministry of Industry
In a significant development, approximately 50,000 metric tons of industrial waste have been discovered illegally buried in Plaeng Yao district, a part of Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). This alarming revelation, which came to light in early July 2025, has prompted urgent government action and a major review led by Industry Minister Akanat Promphan.
The illegal dumping of industrial waste is a serious concern, particularly in the EEC, a region strategically vital for Thailand's industrial growth. In response, Minister Promphan has announced a reform and crackdown aimed at reviewing and strengthening waste management control within the EEC.
The authorities are intensifying oversight and regulatory mechanisms to identify and penalise companies involved in such activities. Ongoing investigations are presumably focused on locating the sources and responsible parties for this vast quantity of buried industrial waste, evaluating environmental damage, and devising cleanup plans.
The case of T&T Waste Management 2017 Co. Ltd, a company implicated in global-scale electronic waste smuggling, serves as a landmark case. Minister Promphan has taken a strong stance against such illegal activities, criticising Thailand's longstanding neglect in regulating the industrial sector.
It is worth noting that many businesses in the EEC, claiming to be eco-friendly, engage in illegal waste disposal and smuggle toxic industrial waste. This issue underscores the environmental risks facing the EEC, even as Thailand moves forward with ambitious industrial and urban expansion plans in the region.
The DSI is now pursuing the wider network of influence behind the T&T Waste Management case, including complicit officials. The case has been escalated to involve the Environmental Crime Division (ECD), the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). The matter has already been forwarded to prosecutors, who have filed charges with the court.
Minister Promphan has exercised his ministerial authority to reject the company's appeal, notify all relevant agencies, and have the case upgraded to special investigation status. This commitment to addressing environmental compliance in the EEC is critical, as the region continues to develop into a high-tech industrial hub and smart city zone, including the large-scale “Bangkok 2” smart city project in nearby Chonburi aimed at sustainable urban and industrial development.
- The illegal dumping of industrial waste in the EEC is not only a threat to the region's environment but also a potential hindrance to its growth in industries such as technology and finance.
- As the EEC moves towards becoming a high-tech industrial hub and smart city zone, the need for strict environmental regulations and effective waste management becomes increasingly important to prevent climate-change related issues and maintain public trust in businesses.
- The incident of buried industrial waste in Plaeng Yao district brings to light the relevance of political action in ensuring the safety and sustainability of the environment and the industries within the EEC.
- The renovation of the waste management infrastructure within the EEC is a critical stepping stone towards a cleaner, more eco-friendly environment, which could attract businesses profitably rooted in environmental-science and renewable energy.
- In the wake of the recent discovery of massive industrial waste dumping, the Thai government, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, is working diligently to enforce regulations, penalize offenders, and devise solutions for mitigating any long-term environmental damage incurred.