Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaiwong has ordered an investigation into the operator of a recycling facility in Si Racha district, after floodwaters swept large amounts of waste insulation foam from the facility into an adjacent residential area when the estate's perimeter wall collapsed.
The incident occurred after heavy overnight rain on Friday in Bo Win sub-district, when floodwaters swept huge quantities of discarded foam insulation from a nearby waste-sorting yard against the rear wall of the Boonraksa View 2 Eastern Bo Win housing estate.
The pressure caused the wall to collapse, sending water and foam debris into the neighbourhood.
Photos that went viral showing a residential street almost completely covered in piles of yellowish-white foam.
The debris stretched across the road, completely blocking access to homes. Many vehicles were partially buried beneath the foam and other discarded material.
The governor instructed relevant authorities to pursue immediate legal action against the company responsible if any violations are found.
He also ordered the provincial Industry Office to examine the facility's operating licences and waste management practices.
Local officials deployed heavy machinery to clear the debris, restore drainage channels and assist affected residents.
According to the housing estate chairman, Arthit Inprasit, heavy rain is believed to have washed the accumulated foam into a huge mass that slammed into the estate's perimeter wall, causing a lengthy section to collapse.
He said at least one house sustained damage, while several households were affected by foam debris.
He said at least one house sustained damage, while several households were affected by foam debris.
He said the area regularly experienced heavy rain but had never seen a similar incident.
He blamed the large stockpiles of lightweight foam, saying they absorbed water and generated enough force to destroy the wall.
The recycling yard has long been the subject of complaints from residents, who say large amounts of recyclable waste, including foam, have been stored along the boundary fence, obstructing drainage channels.
The community has previously raised concerns about the proximity of the recycling operation, arguing that the large waste stockpiles pose environmental, health and safety risks.
Residents said the neighbouring land had later been leased to operators they identified as Chinese investors to run a recycling business handling discarded refrigerators, freezers and foam insulation.
