Thai Police Investigate Suspected Arson in Warehouse Fires

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Police are probing suspected arson behind recent fires in chemical warehouses in Rayong and Ayutthaya, Thailand. This investigation comes after a series of destructive blazes that have sparked concerns over public safety and environmental contamination.

 

**Investigation Launched**

 

Police Lieutenant General Archayon Kraithong, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police (RTP), confirmed yesterday that a special task force involving local police, the Industrial Works Department, and the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division has been formed to investigate the incidents. These fires occurred at chemical warehouses owned by Win Process in Ban Khai district, Rayong, and another company in Phachi district, Ayutthaya.

 

**Arson Suspected**

 

Initial findings suggest that arson may be the cause of these fires. In Ayutthaya, the blaze at the chemical plant occurred twice—once in February and then again earlier this month. The Central Forensic Science Office inspected the scene, revealing evidence supporting the arson theory. Several eyewitnesses corroborated this suspicion. 

 

**Safety Measures**

 

Authorities are not only concentrating on the suspected arson but also examining storage sites of hazardous materials. They are looking to implement better safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.

 

**Environmental Concerns**

 

In Rayong, efforts are underway to manage 200,000 cubic meters of contaminated water from the Win Process site. Local officials had initially planned to create ponds to contain the contaminated water but scrapped the idea due to extensive chemical damage. Revised strategies are being considered to ensure the health and safety of local residents.

 

**Next Steps**

 

Police General Kittirat Phanphet, acting national police chief, has directed investigators to expedite their work and present their findings promptly. The focus remains on ensuring proper chemical management and preventing further environmental contamination.

 

This ongoing investigation has highlighted the urgent need for improved fire safety measures in industrial sites storing hazardous materials. The community and officials alike are anxiously awaiting the results, hoping for a resolution that ensures this does not repeat.

 

Picture: Facebook

 

-- 2024-05-27

 

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[Georgealbert]

At the start of this month, Jullong Thaveesri, Director-General of Industral Works stated to Thai media.
 

“The fire at an unlicensed factory in Ayutthaya's Phachi District, which illegally stored industrial waste, was intentionally started to cover up evidence of wrongdoing.

 

The factory operated without a license and had been illegally storing 4,000 tonnes of industrial waste, including spent hydrochloric acid and other dangerous chemicals, in five warehouses.

 

The same factory had previously caught fire on February 29 before the recent incident, which started around 18:00 yesterday (1 May) and was extinguished around 02:00 last night.

 

Authorities suspect that the fire was started by incendiary devices. These devices are made of plastic container, with a cement bottom containing gasoline, with a fuse consisting of a firecracker attached to incense sticks. Additionally, a bottle containing aluminium powder was found inside one of the burnt-down warehouses, which could enhance the effectiveness of incendiary devices.“

 

On 23 April 2024 after the fire incident at the chemical factory in Rayong, Ms. Pimpattra Wichaikul, Minister of Industry, mentioned that it might be connected to the factory where a previous fire occurred in Phachi District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.

 

When asked about the connection between the two fires, and whether or not it was the destruction of evidence. Ms. Pimphattra stated that the two were linked in the matter of the factory owner and the possible burning to destroy evidence, but in this matter, it is better to wait for the conclusion from the police.

 

The fires were previously covered in these threads.

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1326393-chemical-store-blaze-in-ayutthaya-triggers-evacuation-of-hospital-and-local-community/?_fromLogin=1

https://aseannow.com/topic/1325863-fire-sparks-arson-concerns-at-rayong-chemical-warehouse/

 

Edited May 27 by Georgealbert