Health
Residents in Tha Ruea Protest Proposed Fertilizer Plant and Port Expansion
Community members in Ayutthaya province are displaying green ribbons and banners to oppose a new fertilizer facility and port expansion project, citing environmental and health concerns.
On September 6, 2026, residents of Sala Loi sub-district in the Tha Ruea district of Ayutthaya province organized a protest against plans to establish a chemical fertilizer plant and expand a local pier along the Pa Sak River. According to Khaosod Online, local leaders, including provincial council member Asamchai Tangjairak, joined citizens in displaying green flags and ribbons to symbolize their commitment to environmental preservation.
The project involves converting a former rice mill and warehouse site into a facility for the production and storage of chemical fertilizers. The developer also intends to upgrade the pier to accommodate increased cargo handling, which would involve transporting materials via river vessels and distributing them by truck.
For residents and visitors, the primary concerns raised by the community include potential air pollution, such as dust and odors, as well as increased traffic congestion and risks to the local ecosystem. The project is currently in the application phase for a Type 3 factory license and pier expansion permits from the Marine Department. As the proposal moves through the regulatory process, the community continues to advocate for transparency regarding the potential long-term impacts on their quality of life. It remains to be confirmed how the authorities will address these public concerns during the formal review of the project's environmental and operational impact assessments.