Protesters Rely on Electric Fans to Counteract Harmful Emissions from Charcoal Factory
In the heart of Bang Nam Priao district, locals are up in arms against a charcoal factory, publicly expressing their frustrations and health worries. On a sunny Sunday, they channeled their displeasure by waving electric fans, symbolizing their quest to sweep away the factory's noxious fumes.
A group of local residents, hailing from Moo 10 and Moo 12, joined forces to condemn the factory situated at the outskirts of their community. for years, they've been exposed to the smoke and strong odor that the factory emits while slow-cooking discarded wooden pallets. TheCloud of stench made their lives a misery, irritating their nasal passages and coating their laundry hanging out to dry. During the colder months, the discomfort became unbearable, forcing families to forego outdoor activities.
The sad tale of one elderly resident comes to mind who linked a relative's recent demise to prolonged exposure to the polluted air. This charcoal factory has been under scrutiny for over a decade, with complaints filed, but it seems the problems persist to this day. Despite a visit from officials at the end of 2021, who managed to secure a promise from the factory operator to reduce emissions, the factory remained active, resuming operations in early 2025.
Frustrated by the delay in resolving the issue, residents raised a fresh complaint earlier this year. To give the factory operator some leeway, residents allowed them 30 days to make amends. But, it's been nearly six months, and the residents claim that the issue remains unsolved.
This plant reportedly operates 13 large kilns, converting chemically treated wood waste into charcoal. The burning process lasts for six days per kiln, with the peak activity occurring from Friday evening until Sunday.
Local residents are firm in their demands for a permanent solution. If the issue continues, they've threatened to escalate their protests and take their grievances before the provincial authorities. This might include submitting formal complaints, presenting evidence, and even petitioning the government's Damrongtham Complaints Centre in Chachoengsao.
It's important to note that this ongoing protest is just one facet of a larger issue – industrial pollution in the region. The community's resilience, however, reflects their larger call for environmental protection and public health. While we can't predict how the situation will unfold, we do know that effective enforcement of environmental regulations and a transition towards a green economy are crucial steps in resolving pollution issues in regions like Thailand.
- The residents, rallying for improved health-and-wellness, are demanding a solution to the charcoal factory's emissions, which they believe adversely affect their mental-health and physical wellbeing.
- In their pursuit of a cleaner and healthier environment, these locals are advocating for stronger regulations in environmental-science, aiming to prevent similar issues in the future and protect the wellbeing of their community.
