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Pollution Dept. seeks 7 days to find canal pollution source; factory to face legal action.

Pollution Dept. seeks 7 days to find canal pollution source; factory to face legal action.

Khaosod•Society•1d ago

Reader Briefing

Thailand's Pollution Control Department is investigating the cause of pollution in Huai Takhe Canal and has requested seven days to identify the source, with strict legal action promised against any responsible factory.

  • •The Pollution Control Department (PCD) is investigating severe pollution in Huai Takhe Canal, Saraburi province, characterized by black, foul-smelling water due to chemical contamination.
  • •Initial water quality tests show elevated electrical conductivity (EC) in the upstream areas, indicating potential chemical pollution.
  • •Laboratory results are expected within seven days, which will determine if industrial factories are the source of the pollution.
  • •If a factory is found to be responsible, the PCD will pursue legal action to the fullest extent of the law.

Overview

  • •Department of Pollution Control dispatched officials to collect water and air samples from Huai Takhe Canal, Province of Saraburi.
  • •On May 27, officials began collecting water samples from Huai Takhe Canal to investigate contaminants.
  • •Department of Pollution Control requested seven days to thoroughly investigate the source of the wastewater polluting Huai Takhe Canal.
  • •Initial tests in Zone A of Huai Takhe Canal showed high EC levels ranging from 700–2,000 µS/cm, possibly indicating chemical contamination.
  • •Zone B of Huai Takhe Canal exhibited low Dissolved Oxygen levels.
  • •Zone C, designated for consumption, showed normal EC levels between 400–500 µS/cm.
  • •All collected water samples will be sent to laboratories for heavy metal and chemical contaminant analysis, with results expected in at least seven days.
  • •Department of Pollution Control confirmed no volatile organic compounds were found in the tap water, but a comprehensive inspection of the entire water system will proceed.

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Key Quotes

Surin Worakijthamrong
"If confirmed which factory is the cause, legal action will be taken to the fullest extent."
หากยืนยัน โรงงานใดต้นเหตุ ดำเนินคดีถึงที่สุด
Surin Worakijthamrong
"We request 7 days to find the source of Huai Takhe Canal's wastewater."
ขอเวลา7วัน หาต้นตอทำน้ำเสีย คลองห้วยตะเข้
Surin Worakijthamrong
"We ask the public to be relieved of worry, but the entire water system will be further inspected in detail."
ขอให้ประชาชนคลายความกังวล แต่จะมีการตรวจสอบระบบน้ำทั้งระบบเพิ่มเติมอย่างละเอียดอีกครั้ง

Key Entities

Organization

Department of Pollution Control(กรมควบคุมมลพิษ)ℹ️
The Thai governmental organization responsible for monitoring and controlling pollution, currently investigating the Huai Takhe Canal pollution incident.
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE)(กระทรวงทรัพยากรธรรมชาติและสิ่งแวดล้อม (ทส.))ℹ️
The Thai ministry under which the Department of Pollution Control operates, and where official statements regarding the Huai Takhe Canal pollution are being made.

Place

Huai Takhe Canal(คลองห้วยตะเข้)
A canal in Saraburi province, Thailand, that is currently suffering from severe chemical pollution leading to its water turning black and emitting foul odors.
Saraburi Province(จ.สระบุรี)ℹ️
The province in Thailand where Huai Takhe Canal is located and where the pollution investigation is being conducted.

Person

Surin Worakijthamrong(นายสุรินทร์ วรกิจธำรง)
The Director-General of the Department of Pollution Control, who is leading the investigation into the Huai Takhe Canal pollution and has commented on the findings and next steps.

Law

Navigation in Thai Waters Act, B.E. 1913 (1913)(พระราชบัญญัติการเดินเรือในน่านน้ำไทย พระพุทธศักราช 1913)
A Thai law that pertains to actions such as the illegal discharge of waste into waterways, relevant to the Huai Takhe Canal pollution incident.
Act on Sanitation and Orderliness of the Country, B.E. 1992 (1992)(พระราชบัญญัติรักษาความสะอาดและความเป็นระเบียบเรียบร้อยของบ้านเมือง พ.ศ. 1992)
A Thai law concerning cleanliness and public order, which may be applicable to cases of environmental pollution such as that affecting Huai Takhe Canal.
Factory Act, B.E. 1992 (1992)(พระราชบัญญัติโรงงาน พ.ศ. 1992)
A Thai law governing the operation of factories, which is relevant to the investigation of potential industrial sources of pollution in Huai Takhe Canal.