Complaints target 'zero dollar' steel factory

The House committee on national security and border affairs will inspect a Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co steel factory in Rayong early next month, following allegations of illegal operations as well as concerns over environmental compliance.

- AEKARACH SATTABURUTH

Chutipong Pipobpinyo, the committee chairman and main opposition People's Party (PP) MP for Rayong, said the planned inspection on May 6 will be joined by a task force set up by Industry Minister Akanat Promphan.

He said the planned visit is to look into reports that the construction of a second factory of the Xin Ke Yuan Steel Company in Rayong’s Pluak Daeng district has been completed despite a suspension order.

Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co has come under scrutiny since the collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district in the March 28 earthquake.