Bangkok, The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment signs the most urgent order to agencies under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Dedicate every effort to fully integrate with other agencies to solve the cadmium waste problem. Especially moving from Samut Sakhon Province back to Tak Province. Consider the most appropriate and safest approach. Emphasize that the Pollution Control Department quickly summarizes its report and submits it to the Pollution Control Board and the National Environment Board.

Pol. Gen. Patcharawat Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, signed the most urgent order regarding the report of the discovery of cadmium residue. The content states: Due to the incident of finding cadmium residue which is a large amount of hazardous industrial waste in the factory area of ??Samut Sakhon Province Causing concern to the public in a wide circle that It will affect life and body. Including the environment in order to carry out
the duties and responsibilities of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in this matter smoothly. Therefore proceed as follows:

1. Order the agencies under responsibility and related to the said situation to proceed according to their authority and duties, namely the Pollution Control Department to carry out its duties according to the National Environmental Quality Promotion and Preservation Act. strictly and examine the impacts on people and the environment as quickly as possible. Ready to propose practical guidelines to solve the problem in this matter. In addition, let the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning check that Has the factory implemented the measures in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EA) report or not? Including strict enforcement of the law as soon as possible.

2. In the case that the said cadmium waste will be brought back to its source in Tak Province, an analysis will be made to see whether this can be done or not. What are the effects and wha
t are the good and bad effects? by proposing best practice guidelines

3. Control, supervise, coordinate affiliated agencies according to their authority and duties and cooperate with other agencies and the province. By dedicating all of our strength and tools to carry out the work to the best of our abilities.

4. Explain understanding to the people, communities, and localities to receive information. Along with reporting the results of said practice and the situation that occurred periodically.

5. The Pollution Control Department shall summarize the report and submit it to the Pollution Control Board and the National Environment Board as soon as possible.

An additional 4,391 tons of cadmium waste was found in Khlong Kiew Subdistrict, Ban Bueng District, Chonburi Province. Ordered the Director-General of the Pollution Control Department to go to the area to check for toxic substances again. To make the people feel comfortable They brought equipment to inspect to ensure thoroughness within a radius of 5 – 1
0 kilometers from the warehouse.

Ms. Preeyaporn Suwannakes, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department, said that The Provincial Environment and Pollution Control Office 13, Chonburi, has brought equipment to initially check for contaminants. Recently, equipment to measure chemical vapors has been introduced that can be more detailed. By checking from upwind to downwind. Personal soil samples were previously collected. Still waiting for analysis results. But it is expected that there should be no impact on the people because the factory is an open area, not connected to the community.

For the matter of transporting cadmium waste back to its origin in Tak Province. There has been a preliminary discussion to allow local agencies to prepare. As for the results of the analysis in Samut Sakhon Province, it has been released. no contamination May the people be at ease.

The Pollution Control Department will make a summary report and present it to the Pollution Control Board. and the National Environment
Board as soon as possible in accordance with the orders of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

Source: Thai News Agency