Law
Authorities Investigate Illegal Construction Waste Dumping in Rayong
Officials are addressing reports of construction waste from a data center project being dumped in Rayong, causing health concerns among local residents.
On September 8, 2026, authorities, including representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Pollution Control Task Force, met at Ban Chang Police Station to address the illegal dumping of construction waste in Rayong province. The investigation follows public complaints regarding waste originating from a data center construction site, which residents reported caused skin irritation.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Itthiporn Phothong, an advisor to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, confirmed that officials inspected the site, which spans approximately four rai. While initial reports suggested tens of thousands of tons of waste, the inspection found a smaller volume, including remnants of fiberglass. The Ban Chang Municipality has issued a 2,000-baht fine under local waste management ordinances and filed a criminal complaint against the responsible party for operating a waste disposal site without a permit.
For residents and visitors, this incident highlights ongoing efforts to regulate industrial waste management in the region. Authorities have ordered the contractor to cease dumping and remove the existing waste in accordance with legal standards to ensure public safety. It remains to be confirmed how quickly the site will be fully cleared and what further regulatory actions will be taken against the contractors involved to prevent future occurrences.