Phanat Nikhom District, Chonburi Province – December 7th, 2025
Nearly 200 local residents from villages 8 and 9 in the Nongprue and Hua Thanon sub-districts of the Phanat Nikhom District, gathered on Sunday to protest against the continued illegal operation of a plastic recycling factory that has been releasing strong, foul odors, causing widespread distress in the community.
The factory in question specializes in melting down plastic waste. Earlier this year, district industrial authorities inspected the facility, confirmed it was emitting noxious smells that severely affected nearby residents, and then ordered production to cease and revoked its operating license.
Despit…
Phanat Nikhom District, Chonburi Province – December 7th, 2025
Nearly 200 local residents from villages 8 and 9 in the Nongprue and Hua Thanon sub-districts of the Phanat Nikhom District, gathered on Sunday to protest against the continued illegal operation of a plastic recycling factory that has been releasing strong, foul odors, causing widespread distress in the community.
The factory in question specializes in melting down plastic waste. Earlier this year, district industrial authorities inspected the facility, confirmed it was emitting noxious smells that severely affected nearby residents, and then ordered production to cease and revoked its operating license.
Despite the official closure order, villagers claim the factory has continued to operate covertly, both day and night. Trucks carrying electronic waste and plastic materials have been observed entering the premises regularly for recycling, and the persistent stench has made daily life unbearable for those living nearby.
On December 7th, frustrated residents attempted to enter the factory premises to document the alleged violations, but were blocked by factory staff. The group then turned to the media, calling for immediate intervention from relevant authorities.
“We’ve been suffering from this terrible smell for months,” one protester told reporters. “The authorities already shut this factory down once, but they’re still running secretly. We can’t sleep, children are getting sick, and no one is doing anything permanent about it.”
Residents are urging the Office of Industrial Works, local government officials, and pollution control authorities to conduct a thorough re-inspection and enforce strict legal action against the factory for violating the closure order and environmental regulations.
Local leaders have vowed to continue pressing the issue until the factory is permanently shut down, the odors end, and/or those responsible are held fully accountable under the law.
Authorities have yet to issue an official response to the latest protest, but residents say they are prepared to escalate their actions if swift and decisive measures are not taken.