A fire broke out this morning at a factory storing chemicals and industrial waste in the Bankai district of Rayong province, sending foul odours and thick smoke into the air. Explosions were heard occasionally.

People living near the factory have been evacuated to avoid the possible effects of the toxic fumes.

At press time, firefighters had brought the blaze under control, but had not yet extinguished it. They had to use foam suppressants to douse the fire, as the factory stores chemicals.

People in the area have already filed complaints with authorities, because the factory’s wastewater tanks ruptured, leaking untreated water into the community’s environment and living areas.

The Rayong Industry Office has ordered the factory’s owners to repair the water treatment system. Officials are about to visit the factory to check whether the order has been implemented.