Toxic smoke from a fire at a furniture factory in Bangkok's Lat Krabang district has triggered urgent evacuations, with authorities warning of serious air pollution risks. The blaze erupted at the KingKitchen furniture facility around 4 p.m. on Sunday, rapidly spreading through warehouses and a basement storing approximately 300 tonnes of plastic pellets.
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Despite the main fire being brought under control, smouldering plastic continues to release hazardous fumes. Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Chalermchai Sri-on ordered the immediate evacuation of surrounding communities and instructed the Pollution Control Department (PCD) to assess air contamination.
Air tests within a 1 to 5-kilometre radius revealed traces of formaldehyde, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, phosgene, and other toxic compounds. While most areas showed pollution levels not immediately harmful, more severe contamination was found in two communities just 150 metres from the site, including Lio Housing Estate. Residents there were evacuated to an emergency shelter at Lam Pa-ong School.
Firefighters and on-site personnel have been provided with protective equipment, as black smoke continues to billow from the basement. Industry Minister Akanat Promphan confirmed that Bangchak Corporation would supply 15,000 litres of foam to extinguish remaining hotspots.
Mobile air quality monitoring units have been deployed, and water samples are being collected from nearby canals and reservoirs to test for contamination. Authorities are also investigating factory safety compliance and whether Siam House and Home Co Ltd, the factory's operator, violated any regulations.
The factory had prior approval to operate as a potentially hazardous business under Bangkok Metropolitan Administration guidelines. A full probe into the fire's cause and licensing compliance is underway.
Source: www.nationthailand.com