BANGKOK — A major operation spearheaded by Thailand’s Ministry of Industry has uncovered over 10,000 metric tonnes of substandard steel in Chonburi’s Si Racha district. Valued at 200 million baht, the seized materials were deemed a public safety risk due to their use in construction projects. The enforcement initiative, led by Minister of Industry Ekanat Promphan and a team known as “Sudsoi Team,” focused on a factory producing reinforced concrete steel and rebar that failed to meet industrial safety standards.
Authorities have directed the company responsible to recall all distributed items, and legal proceedings are underway. Preliminary investigations linked the operation to Well Establish Co., Ltd., a Chinese firm accused of commissioning the substandard production. Despite holding a license from the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI), the company allegedly violated multiple provisions of the Industrial Product Standards Act by distributing non-compliant materials under false pretenses. Violations could result in imprisonment, substantial fines, or both.
Inspections conducted under Section 44 of the Industrial Product Standards Act revealed large quantities of non-compliant goods at the factory. In addition to targeting physical production sites, authorities also focused on online platforms advertising and selling the substandard steel. These platforms were warned of the legal consequences of failing to verify the compliance of their sellers and products, which include up to six months imprisonment or fines of up to 500,000 baht. The ministry has offered technical support to platforms to help them align with regulations through enhanced information-sharing systems.
The crackdown has expanded to cover other industrial operations, with compliance checks underway in collaboration with the Department of Industrial Works and the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand. Investigations suggest the factory involved had been operating without proper licensing, a violation of the Factory Act. Officials confirmed that further legal measures are being taken to enforce adherence to safety standards and prevent future risks.
The operation highlights a broader effort by Thai authorities to ensure the safety and integrity of construction materials in the market. Minister Ekanat and other officials emphasized the importance of stringent oversight, calling on industry stakeholders to prioritize compliance and public safety.
