Thai govt to inspect 1,400 factories over public concerns

BANGKOK, Feb 19 (TNA) - Thailand’s Ministry of Industry is planning to inspect 1,400 factories, particularly those located along rivers, in order to ensure that they have no negative effect on local communities and environment. Somchai Harnhirun, permanent secretary for Industry, said Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha had ordered the Ministry to perform factory inspections. The idea is aimed at responding to public complaints and preventing adverse impacts caused by industrial activities. He added that the authorities will particularly target facilities of Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) where their activities were repeatedly complained by the public and found to be violating the law frequently. In 2017, 1,400 factories are expected to be inspected under the campaign. Somchai believed that the government’s initiative will effectively reduce the number of the complaints while all SMEs factories will be aware of social responsibility. (TNA)