PM overseeing response to fire at Rayong chemical waste storage facility

According to reports from the Rayong governor, the cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Forensic investigators cannot enter the area until the fire is completely extinguished.

Therefore, the Srettha has ordered expedited actions due to the seriousness of the issue, which affects public safety. Additionally, he has instructed police to investigate the cause of the fire.

Dr Cholnan Srikaew, the minister of public health, has reported that initially, 78 people were evacuated from two sub-districts to shelter centres. Currently, 39 people remain there, including four bedridden patients with respiratory symptoms. However, their conditions are not attributed to inhaling substances from the fire.

Wichean Sukkerd, a candidate for the Pheu Thai Party, told Srettha that villagers distrust air-quality measurements conducted by government agencies. He also highlighted that residents have not received accurate information since the onset of the fire and further evacuations from the area are needed.

The director general of the Department of Industrial Works has reported ongoing complaints against Win Progress Company since 2013. Despite a court order in 2021 to dispose of chemical substances and hiring SC Company for their removal last year, the work remains incomplete. Consequently, the Department of Industrial Works will take over the chemical waste disposal.

The prime minister has instructed the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to monitor the situation. It is tasked with creating relief plans, conducting public relations campaigns to encourage affected individuals to register for assistance, and safeguarding public health by monitoring air quality and expediting proper disposal of hazardous chemical waste.

Additionally, the Department of Industrial Works is to establish guidelines and measures to prevent similar incidents and collaborate with provincial industrial offices for nationwide factory inspections.

The prime minister, along with Minister of Industry Pimpatra Witchaikul, Dr Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary general of the prime minister, and Natthapol Rangsitpol, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Industry, held a private discussion for more than five minutes. Srettha appeared tense, and there was a moment when Dr Prommin attempted to pat the back of Natthapol as a gesture of consolation.

After a private discussion with key officials, Srettha received letters from affected individuals demanding the involvement of experts to address the issues. They also requested disposal of chemical waste outside the area and the removal of the director general of the Department of Industrial Works and provincial industrial offices.

As Srettha’s convoy was leaving, local residents held up signs urging him to remove the "hellish" factory, with messages saying, "Mr Prime Minister, you only have 30 minutes for the villagers,” and "Please help, Prime Minister, after 10 years of suffering.”