IEAT orders WHA to explain rock blasting incident in Rayong

Thansettakij•Economy•5d ago

Reader Briefing

The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand has ordered WHA to provide an explanation and evidence regarding a rock blasting incident at the WHA Eastern Seaboard 5 Industrial Estate project.

•A rock blasting incident occurred on August 13, 2026, at the WHA Eastern Seaboard 5 Industrial Estate project in Rayong province.
•The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) found ammonium nitrate bags and electrical wires at the scene on August 17, 2026.
•IEAT ordered WHA to submit a detailed explanation and evidence within 7 working days.
•One house within 1.1 km of the site reported broken louvre glass, which has since been replaced.

Overview

•A rock blasting incident occurred on August 13, 2026, causing vibrations across 4 districts in Rayong province.
•The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) inspected the site on August 17, 2026, and discovered unnaturally straight rock lines, ammonium nitrate bags, and electrical wires.
•The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) ordered the immediate suspension of all land leveling, drilling, or rock destruction activities in the project area until further notice.
•The incident site has been designated as a safety control area with all unauthorized entry strictly prohibited.
•An inspection on August 19, 2026, found that only one residence 1.1 km from the site suffered broken louvre glass, which has been repaired.
•Community leaders and nearby institutions, including Ban Khai Technical College and Rajamangala University of Technology Phranakhon Nuesan Rayong Campus, reported hearing loud noises similar to fireworks but no property damage.
•WHA established a coordination center and an emergency complaint channel to provide assistance and compensation to affected residents.
•The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) will review WHA's evidence and explanation within 7 working days to determine legal and contractual actions.

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Key Entities

Organization

Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand(กนอ.)ℹ️

The government agency that ordered WHA to explain the rock blasting incident and suspended site activities.

WHA(ดับบลิวเอชเอ)

The developer of the industrial estate project required to provide an explanation to the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand.

Ban Khai Technical College(วิทยาลัยเทคนิคบ้านค่าย)

An educational institution near the site that reported no impact on teaching.

King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok Rayong Campus(มหาวิทยาลัยเทคโนโลยีพระจอมเกล้าพระนครเหนือ วิทยาเขตระยอง)

An educational institution near the site that reported no impact on teaching.

Nong Lalok Subdistrict Administrative Organization(อบต.หนองละลอก)

A local government body that reported hearing noises similar to fireworks.

Ban Nong Lalok School(โรงเรียนบ้านหนองละลอก)

A school near the site that reported no impact on teaching.

Person

Sumeth Tangprasert(สุเมธ ตั้งประเสริฐ)

The Governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand.

Kamnan of Nong Lalok Sub-district(กำนันตำบลหนองละลอก)

A community leader who reported hearing noises similar to fireworks.

Village Headman of Moo 4(ผู้ใหญ่บ้านหมู่ 4)

A community leader who reported hearing noises similar to fireworks.

Village Headman of Moo 9 Ban Tuayang(ผู้ใหญ่บ้านหมู่ 9 บ้านตัวอย่าง)

A community leader who reported hearing noises similar to fireworks.

Place

WHA Eastern Seaboard 5(ดับบลิวเอชเอ อีสเทิร์นซีบอร์ด 5)

The industrial estate project site where the rock blasting incident occurred.

Rayong(ระยอง)ℹ️

The province where the blasting incident took place and vibrations were felt across 4 districts.

Wat Suan Lao(วัดสวนหลาว)

A temple near the site that reported hearing noises similar to fireworks.

Policy

EIA Measures(มาตรการ EIA)

The environmental impact assessment standards that industrial estate development must strictly follow.