Prachinburi Governor Shuts Down Illegal E-Waste Facility in Forest Reserve

On August 8, 2026, the governor of Prachinburi province issued an order for the immediate closure of an e-waste processing facility found operating within a national forest reserve. According to reports from Khaosod English, the facility had allegedly been functioning for nearly a year before authorities intervened. The operation involved the seizure of equipment used at the site.

This action follows mounting concerns from local residents regarding the environmental impact of the plant. The presence of industrial waste processing within a protected forest area raises significant questions about environmental safety and land use regulations in the region.

For residents and travelers in the Prachinburi area, this incident highlights ongoing efforts by provincial authorities to curb illegal industrial activities in protected zones. While the immediate threat posed by this specific facility has been addressed through the closure order, several details remain to be confirmed. Specifically, the full extent of the environmental contamination caused by the plant’s year-long operation has not yet been disclosed by officials. Furthermore, the investigation into the ownership of the facility and how it was able to operate undetected within a forest reserve for such an extended period is ongoing. Authorities have not yet released information regarding potential legal charges against the operators.