CHONBURI, THAILAND – A previously closed plastic recycling factory in Phanat Nikhom district was shut down again after authorities found it secretly operating, following renewed complaints over foul odors and village protests.
Secret restart after official shutdown
The plant, located between the subdistricts Nong Prue and Hua Thanon in Chonburi province, had reportedly emitted strong, foul-smelling fumes around the clock, severely affecting the surrounding quality of life. Earlier in the year, the Chonburi Provincial Industry Office inspected the facility after resident complaints and issued a formal closure order, but the factory later resumed production in secret, according to local accounts.
Village protests spur fresh intervention
On 7 December, frustrated villagers gathered again for a protest that drew wide media attention and increased pressure on the authorities to act more decisively. On Monday morning, 8 December 2025, an enforcement team led by Leosak Kulsathien, head of the Chonburi Provincial Industry Office, went to the factory, accompanied by residents and officers from Phanat Nikhom Police Station, who provided security amid concerns over possible clashes between villagers and plant staff.
Officials find active production despite ban
Factory representatives told inspectors they were only “testing the machines,” but officials found clear evidence of ongoing plastic melting processes, in direct violation of the existing shutdown order. Authorities immediately issued a renewed and final production stop and announced they would pursue criminal proceedings against the factory owner for continuing operations in defiance of an official directive.
Public apology from industry chief
On site, Leosak addressed affected residents directly.
“After I learned that the villagers were protesting because the factory had secretly reopened, I took personal action without delay,”
said Leosak Kulsathien, head of the Chonburi Provincial Industry Office.
“I take full responsibility and sincerely apologize to the community. I assure everyone that this problem will end with me.”
said Leosak Kulsathien, head of the Chonburi Provincial Industry Office.
Residents welcome action but remain wary
Residents welcomed the swift intervention by provincial authorities but said they would closely monitor what happens next. They stressed that their vigilance would continue until the plant was permanently closed and all announced legal steps were completed, noting lingering mistrust after the factory had already operated covertly once despite a prior shutdown.
Key risks cited by the community
According to locals, the main risks included intense, day-and-night odor nuisance, a serious decline in living conditions in nearby neighborhoods, and ongoing uncertainty over whether the operator would comply with official regulations. The case highlighted fears among residents about what happens “when rules are ignored,” as some questioned whether enforcement had come too late, only after a second round of protests.