Srettha wants warehouse fire answers

Srettha wants warehouse fire answers
Fire continues at Win Process Co in Rayong on Tuesday. Hazard Response Association Thailand

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered an investigation into a flame at a chemistry grow in Rayong on Monday, promising a quick assessment so moved residents may return to their homes.

The blaze at a chemistry spend warehouse owned by Win Process Co in tambon Bang But, Ban Khai city, was initially reported at 9am on Monday.

The incident rapidly spread throughout the warehouse element, where chemical waste, including contaminated deposits, used oil, rubber, plastic pieces and electric circuits boards, were stored.

The blaze was just brought under control on Tuesday, and fumes and unpleasant tastes were visible up to 10 kilometres downstream, reports said.

About 70 persons were evacuated from adjacent buildings, according to officials.

Mr Srettha ordered related firms to prioritise health effects analyses on people living in the area and chemical pollution control.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Phatcharawat Wongsuwan has instructed officials to track the economic impact of the flames, while the Industry Ministry is investigating the cause of the flame.

According to Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul, the inventory had been shut down when Win Process declared debt, but toxic waste was still being kept at the site.

Chutipong Pipoppinyao, a Move Forward Party MP, demanded the prosecution’s results get published as soon as possible to clean any suspicion of the power’s reason.

He said the Rayong Industry Office had ordered Win Process to shift the spare for leisure by Apr 19.

The flame may have been started to speed up the process, he claimed.