Rayong: Checking the seized 'red dust and iron' of Xinkeyuan, found that it is still there. DSI joins forces with Forensic Science, Atoms for Peace, TISI, and the Department of Industrial Works to inspect the seized 'red dust - iron' of Xinkeyuan, found that it is still there. Scientific principles are used to calculate the actual amount - collect samples for examination to support the case.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Col. Woranan Srilam, Director of the Consumer Protection Division and Head of the Investigation Team at the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), led a team in collaboration with the Office of Atoms for Peace, Department of Industrial Works, Rayong Provincial Industry, Institute of Forensic Science, Industrial Product Standards Office, and other relevant agencies. They conducted an inspection at Xinkeyuan Steel Co., Ltd. in Ban Khai District, Rayong Province. The inspection focused on 'red dust' and iron, seized or detained by the Department of Industrial Works and the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI). This was in response to concerns about the possession of red dust within the factory, classified as a Type 3 hazardous substance under the Hazardous Substances Act B.E. 2535, with an estimated volume of 60,000 tons, to determine if a special case offense was committed.
The inspection, which took place over two days from June 16 to 17, 2025, was conducted with company representatives as observers. The investigation aimed to verify allegations of the factory secretly resuming steel smelting operations after being suspended and potentially smuggling substandard TIS iron for sale. The joint inspection revealed that the 'red dust' within the factory had a natural radioactivity spread value within acceptable standards.
Furthermore, the inspection verified that the 44,325 steel bars seized by TISI, weighing about 2,440 tons and valued at approximately 50 million baht, remained in the secured area without any irregularities. Additionally, there was no evidence indicating that the factory operated any machinery for business purposes.
The Institute of Forensic Science took the lead in collecting evidence using scientific analysis tools. Red dust samples were gathered from three suspicious and seized points, including the dust trap area of the factory. The examination involved mapping the machinery and calculating the amount of red dust at these locations according to forensic principles. A total of 246 samples were handed over to the DSI investigation team for further scientific examination. On June 17, 2025, Mr. Sunthorn Kaewsawang, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works, and his team conducted a factory inspection regarding operations under their authority, which concluded at around 9:00 p.m.
The Department of Special Investigation, through the Consumer Protection Division, will expedite the verification and calculation of the amount of red dust produced, based on scientific principles and the factory's actual possession, to determine the legality of the possession. Red dust, a by-product of steelmaking, is categorized as a Type 3 hazardous substance. Normally, steel mills can possess red dust resulting from their production within specified criteria. However, transporting it out of the factory requires permission. If the amount of red dust exceeds the factory's production and lacks the necessary permission, it constitutes an offense of illegal possession of hazardous substances.
Pol. Maj. Yuthana Phraedam, Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation, stated that the DSI is committed to considering facts and evidence from all parties to uncover the truth and ensure fairness, as emphasized by Pol. Maj. Woranan.