Bangkok: The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is taking swift action in response to the foam collapse incident in Bowin, Chonburi. The party is advocating for amendments to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) law to prevent further pollution issues in the region.
According to Thai News Agency, the People's Alliance for Democracy is actively monitoring the aftermath of the incident, which involved a wall collapse in a housing project in Bo Win Subdistrict, Si Racha District, caused by heavy rain washing foam debris into the community. Mr. Sahasawat Khumkhong, a Member of Parliament from the People's Party, alongside Mr. Krit Silpachai, Fourth Vice Chairman of the Committee on Industry, and Ms. Narumas Piambandit, Spokesperson for the Committee on Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, addressed the media today at the Parliament building concerning the incident.
Mr. Sahasawat Khumkhong emphasized that MPs from the People's Party, representing the Eastern region, have been consistently overseeing the compensation process for the affected individuals. Utilizing the resources of the Committee on Industry and the Committee on Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, they have investigated the situation and urged the responsible company to take accountability. Despite some compensation being provided, unresolved issues persist regarding common area expenses and damages sustained by the village's juristic person, which are being actively pursued.
Mr. Krit Silpachai revealed that the Industry Committee's investigation found discrepancies in the company's operations, leading to legal actions for illegal dumping of industrial waste. It was discovered that the waste was transported from factories within the EEC and stored improperly, raising suspicions of foreign ownership issues. The committee is coordinating with the Chonburi Provincial Commerce Office to expedite the investigation and ensure proper legal proceedings.
Further inquiries in Rayong province uncovered that the source company had transported industrial waste without the necessary permissions, prompting legal measures and discussions with the BOI regarding potential reviews of investment incentives due to the company's legal transgressions. The Committee on Industry plans to maintain vigilant oversight of the case and related agency actions.
Ms. Narumas Piambandit reported on the extensive damage observed during a site visit and detailed the ongoing coordination between relevant committees to address the incident's root causes. Although declaring a disaster zone was deemed unnecessary, the committee remains focused on ensuring adequate compensation and relief efforts. Ms. Piambandit urged the government to review and strengthen regulatory measures related to industrial waste management in the EEC.
In light of these developments, People's Party MPs from the Eastern region are preparing to propose amendments to the EEC Act to curb industrial waste and pollution, aiming to safeguard other areas of the country from similar incidents.