Natural Resources Minister Orders Strict Inspection of Fish Meal Factory in Samut Sakhon Following Odor Complaints
Thai authorities ordered strict inspections of a fish meal factory in Samut Sakhon after residents complained of overpowering odors, finding the facility exceeded air quality standards despite holding proper licenses.
On May 20, 2025, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin acknowledged complaints from residents suffering from the stench of fish meal factories and ordered the Pollution Control Department (PCD) to conduct field inspections of fish meal operations in Samut Sakhon Province, which have been emitting foul odors and smoke that affect public health.
PCD Director Surin Vorakitdam revealed that the Environmental and Pollution Control Office No. 5 (Nakhon Pathom) and the Pollution Inspection Division have been assigned to investigate jointly with the Samut Sakhon Provincial Industry Office, the Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office, and related agencies. They discovered that an industrial company in Muang Samut Sakhon District engaged in fish meal production holds proper factory operation licenses under the 1992 Factory Act and health hazard permits under the 1992 Public Health Act issued by the Tha Trai Subdistrict Administration Organization, but has been complained against for generating disruptive odors and dispersed smoke that harm residents' health.
Surin reported that on March 19, 2025, the Samut Sakhon Industry Office jointly with the Western Region Factory Pollution Research and Warning Center conducted odor measurements and found odor intensity at the factory boundary exceeded standard limits at 18 (standard maximum of 15), violating the Industry Ministry's air odor standards regulation. An order was issued on April 7, 2025, requiring the factory to implement odor prevention measures by May 15, 2025.
During a follow-up inspection on May 18, 2025, authorities found foul odors from the air treatment system's condenser area and leaks in the production conveyor belt preventing complete vapor and odor capture, plus odors from the wastewater treatment system. The system operator reported microorganism problems and is currently cultivating new cultures. The Samut Sakhon Industry Office will issue an order under Section 39 to suspend operations in the odor-producing sections. Wastewater samples from the treatment pond outlet have been collected for analysis.
