Prachin Buri Residents Demand Answers on Industrial Waste Plant Closure

On November 1, 2026, approximately 200 members of the 'Strong Prachin' group gathered outside an industrial waste facility in the Si Maha Phot district of Prachin Buri province. The demonstration was organized to demand an update from Minister of Industry Varawut Silpa-archa regarding the potential closure of the plant. According to local representatives, the Minister had visited the site on October 19 and pledged to provide a definitive answer within seven days. As of the protest date, residents stated that no clear response had been received. While the facility is currently under a three-month suspension of operations, community members argue that this measure has not addressed their core concerns. Residents expressed significant alarm regarding the spread of black, contaminated water, which they report has moved beyond the Si Maha Phot district into the Si Mahosot area. For residents and visitors in the region, the situation highlights ongoing environmental and health concerns related to industrial waste management. The primary issue remains the lack of a long-term resolution or a clear timeline for the permanent closure of the plant, as requested by the local community. Authorities have yet to provide a formal update or a concrete plan to mitigate the environmental impact of the reported water contamination.