Bangkok’s trash talk: Police crackdown reveals illegal rubbish dumps, locals left in a stinky situation
The Thai Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) has cracked down on 11 points across Bangkok, unearthing five illegal rubbish dumps causing a stench and distress to locals. One rubbish dump caretaker revealed that they charge 60 to 100 baht per vehicle.
The operation today was led by Police Lieutenant General Watcharawin Pusit, MPB commissioner, who ordered Police Lieutenant Colonel Arun Watchirasrisukanya, Deputy MPB Commissioner, Police Lieutenant Colonel Wisit Phonbomuang, chief of the 1st MPB division, and Police Captain Ekapol Panjamanon, deputy chief of the 1st MPB division, to inspect 11 targets across Bangkok.
These targets were divided into three points in Khlong Sam Wa, two in Min Buri, three in Lat Krabang, one in Saphan Sung, one in Sai Mai, and one in Bueng Kum. This followed complaints of covert operation of unauthorised rubbish dumps.
Upon inspection, officials found violations at five points, some of which had rubbish bags, plastic bottles, and construction waste in the dump. Water was pooling and the dump was located next to a village, emitting a foul smell causing great distress to residents in the surrounding community.
The remaining six points were quick to react, closing services and not accepting rubbish, reported KhaoSod.
Interrogations of the caretakers of the five illegal dumps revealed that they were hired to adjust the land by the landowners. They would open up for the public to dispose of their waste, charging 60 to 100 baht per vehicle. Once the rubbish piled up, they would cover the dump with soil and level it off, enhancing the beauty of the land. This would allow landowners to sell it at a higher price.
Initially, Thai officials have charged them for conducting a waste or garbage disposal business, charging service fees without permission. They were handed over to the investigating officer at the 1st MPB Division for further legal proceedings.
