Police have shut down 16 illegal rubbish tips in nine Bangkok districts and arrested seven people for allegedly operating them.
Pol Maj Gen Wacharin Pusit, commander of the Natural Resources and Environment Crime Division, said they were closed on Wednesday after public complaints.
There were three illegal rubbish tips in both Lat Krabang and Saphan Sung districts; two each in Min Buri, Nong Khaem, and Suan Luang; and one each in Prawet, Klong Sam Wa, Bung Kum, and Bang Khae.
"People complained there were rubbish tips in many parts of Bangkok. They gave off foul smells and caused air pollution because of the improper waste disposal practices, which could also spread disease and contaminate local water sources," Pol Maj Gen Wacharin said.
Police charged seven people who were allegedly operating the tips.
They were identified as Pataporn Thaworn, 29, Buathai Nonthesa, 40, Pan Pakkaeo, 61, Apisit Kitkiat, 27, Nonglak Songmuang, 28, Kittisak Sirikittisunthorn, 42, and Chanya Sonphuang, 48.
The suspects said they had sought permission from the owners to use their property as landfills and had vowed to beautify the sites so they could be sold later at a good price.