Industry Minister Shuts Down “Xin Ke Yuan Steel” Following Gas Explosion in Rayong

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

The Ministry of Industry has ordered the suspension of operations at Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co., Ltd., following a gas explosion and fire at its plant in the WHA Industrial Estate, located in Nong Lalok, Ban Khai District, Rayong. The incident, caused by a leak from a 110,000-litre LPG tank, resulted in injuries to five individuals.

 

On December 19, Mr. Ekanat Promphan, Minister of Industry, revealed that an investigation team, accompanied by officers from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NRECSD), had been dispatched to the site of the incident.

 

The investigation found that Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co., Ltd. had moved the LPG tank without obtaining prior approval from the Rayong Provincial Energy Office. Consequently, the office ordered the suspension of operations involving the tank, prohibited its reuse, and mandated the restoration of the site to its original condition under the supervision of certified engineers. A fine of 50,000 baht was also imposed.

 

The Department of Industrial Works further instructed the company to inspect the plant’s electrical systems, ensure the integrity of all gas tanks, and assess the structural safety of all buildings within the facility.

 

In addition, the Rayong Provincial Industry Office ordered a 30-day shutdown of all operations at the plant. The company must comply with all directives, improve the environmental conditions within the plant, and obtain certification from a qualified engineer. Only after these measures are verified will the plant be considered for reopening.

 

Ms. Thitiphat, representing the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI), added that the institute had inspected the plant’s steel production lines and products. It was discovered that the company had violated TISI regulations, including sourcing raw materials from unregistered suppliers, failing to evaluate supplier qualifications, and using chemical criteria inconsistent with Thai Industrial Standards.

 

The company was given 15 days to address these issues and report back. Failure to do so would result in the suspension of its operating license.

 

Additionally, samples of the company’s steel products were collected for further analysis to ensure compliance with quality standards. Results are expected next week, and if the products fail to meet the standards, legal action will be taken.

 

The incident highlights ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to enforce safety and quality regulations in the industrial sector to prevent further tragedies.

 

Related post:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1346566-steel-factory-explosion-in-rayong-leaves-dozens-injured-and-trapped/

 

-- 2024-12-21

 

 

 

[Geoffggi]

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

It was discovered that the company had violated TISI regulations, including sourcing raw materials from unregistered suppliers, failing to evaluate supplier qualifications, and using chemical criteria inconsistent with Thai Industrial Standards.

So why not close the place down permanently as the owners obviously have no regard for rules & regulations

[ChrisY1]

48 minutes ago, Geoffggi said:

So why not close the place down permanently as the owners obviously have no regard for rules & regulations

Can't be too hasty....the baksheesh needs to be finalized first...

[JimHuaHin]

Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co., Ltd., a highly respected Thai company?

[Tropicalevo]

2 hours ago, Geoffggi said:

So why not close the place down permanently as the owners obviously have no regard for rules & regulations

 

It is owned by Chinese so cannot upset Thailand's sponsor.

(From memory in the original article, there was only one Thai that was injured. All of the others were imports.)