Bangkok police arrest scrap shop owners for pollution offences
Police launched Operation STOP POLLUTION THE SERIES 3, targeting 14 scrap shops in On Nut’s waste alley for releasing foul odours and causing environmental pollution. Police acted on complaints from locals in Phra Khanong, Bangkok, about improper waste management and air pollution issues.
The operation, led by police officers from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division (NREC), resulted in the arrest of 10 shop owners, both men and women, for operating businesses harmful to health without permission.
Under the Public Health Act and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) regulations, these shops were found guilty of accumulating hazardous waste materials.
Complaints had been mounting from residents in the On Nut 86 area, who reported the pervasive stench and unsightly waste that was attracting insects and posing health risks.
The situation had escalated to the point where waste was contaminating local waterways, carrying bacteria and toxic substances, leading to water pollution, said Arune, a senior officer at NREC.
“The situation in On Nut’s waste alley has become intolerable, with improper waste management causing significant discomfort and health risks to nearby residents.”
The police operation covered 20 locations within the alley, uncovering extensive rubbish piles along roadsides and outside the shops. Arune stated that among the 20 businesses inspected, 14 were operating without licenses, while five had the necessary permits, and one was closed at the time of the raid, reported KhaoSod.
“These shops, without the required licenses, have been contributing to environmental pollution by storing unsorted waste, which emits foul odours and attracts pests.”
Upon interrogation, the arrested shop owners admitted to buying waste from locals, storing it for sorting, and then selling it. However, the lack of appropriate waste management and business licenses led to their charges and arrest. They are now subject to legal proceedings by the NREC.
In related news, Bangkok is grappling with significant economic repercussions due to persistent air pollution, particularly from fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, leading to annual losses exceeding 400 billion baht.
The revelation emerged during a seminar organised by the National Health Commission Office in conjunction with the 17th National Health Assembly, where the financial toll of pollution was a focal point of discussion.
