An environmental campaigner reportedly avoided an attempted attack by an unidentified man outside a factory in Prachin Buri on October 5 while following up on oily material found in floodwater and concerns over its impact on nearby residents.
Residents in Si Maha Phot district had reported a rainbow-coloured film extending for about one kilometre across floodwater. A chemical smell was also reported in the area, prompting concerns that potentially harmful substances could be spreading through the floodwater.
Residents and environmental groups, including Prachin Khemkaeng and Ecological Alert and Recovery Thailand, suspected that the oily film could be connected to a landfill located inside a factory in the area.
The concerns led the activist groups and relevant officials to inspect the area outside the factory on October 5. Residents affected by the situation also gathered at the location to observe the investigation.
During the inspection, Sumet Rianphongnam, a member of Prachin Khemkaeng, was reportedly approached by a man wearing black. According to the report, the man walked through the floodwater from inside the factory and attempted to attack Sumet, who managed to avoid him.
The two then became involved in a heated argument. Sumet accused the man of protecting a company that he said was operating without good governance and causing problems for the surrounding community.
Sumet also asked people at the scene to record the incident as evidence for possible legal action against the man and the company.
The man reportedly challenged Sumet to report the incident to police and said he was not afraid of officers. He and another man subsequently left the area in a pickup truck.
According to Channel 7, an initial analysis of the material in the floodwater confirmed that it was oil. No other toxic substances were detected in the initial analysis.
Officials nevertheless advised residents to avoid contact with the water and not to drink it. They also warned residents to keep the water away from their mouths and eyes and to wash immediately if they came into contact with it.
Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa ordered the factory to temporarily shut down to limit the impact on nearby residents. He also instructed the company to carry out repairs inside and outside the plant.
The factory will remain closed until the situation improves, while the Pollution Control Department continues to verify the circumstances surrounding the floodwater pollution.
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