Two state agencies say they are determined an ethanol factory will pay for polluting the Mae Klong River in October 2016 and are demanding almost 6 million baht for damage caused to the environment.
Pralong Damrongthai, head of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), said his department and the Fisheries Department will continue with their lawsuit if negotiations with the company fail.
On May 15, the agencies sued Rajburi Ethanol Co over a wastewater leak containing molasses into the river between Oct 1-7, 2016.
Early this month, the court called on the agencies and the company to enter negotiations on a settlement.
"We are willing to negotiate as the court wishes. But if the company does not give us compensation, we will continue with the lawsuit," said Mr Pralong.
PCD laboratory tests showed wastewater leaked from the plant into Khlong Chalaeb canal which flowed into the river in Ratchaburi's Ban Pong district, according to Mr Pralong.
Several species of aquatic life, including 45 native giant stingrays, were found dead. Lab tests confirmed that ammonia was a key factor leading to their deaths.
Mr Pralong said the lawsuit, filed under sections 96 and 97 of the Promotion and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act 1992 with the Ratchaburi Provincial Court, demands the company pay 5.78 million baht in compensation.
Of that amount, 306,440 baht is for expenses incurred during examination and assessment of water quality and the rest is for damage caused to the environment which has been evaluated by the Fisheries Department.
Mr Pralong said the court asked all parties to see if they could settle before bringing it to court. But if they cannot, the court will schedule a hearing.
He said the company's lawyer was to raise the matter with Rajburi Ethanol Co's board and talks are tentatively scheduled for Aug 26.
Mr Pralong said the PCD and the Fisheries Department have suggested Rajburi Ethanol Co admit its wrongdoing.