Phetchaburi Factory Fire Causes Over 10M Baht in Damages

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

In a significant incident yesterday, a fire tore through a plastic bag manufacturing plant in Phetchaburi, causing extensive damage estimated to exceed 10 million baht. The blaze erupted at 5 pm, sparking immediate alarm across the Khao Yoi district, and necessitating drastic measures to bring it under control, including the demolition of part of the facility.

Lieutenant Colonel Sonthichai Chucherd of the Khao Yoi Police Station was alerted to the emergency, rapidly coordinating with Police Colonel Thip Khengkhoom and district chief Naruethat Muangsaen to mobilise a robust response. The involvement of more than 10 fire engines from the region and assistance from the National Disaster Response Unit and local rescue volunteers underscores the scale of the response effort.

Upon emergency teams' arrival, the sight was daunting—thick black smoke pouring from the factory's confines and flames consuming the infrastructure. The plant, known for producing plastic bags for food packaging, housed significant amounts of combustible materials—particularly over 2 tonnes of thinner and alcohol—that exacerbated the fire's intensity and spread.

The immediate challenge was accessing the fire's heart, prompting the dispatch of an excavator to breach the thick concrete walls. This strategic move allowed firefighters to employ foam-equipped fire engines to douse the fire effectively. Despite their swift actions, it took over an hour to control the blaze fully, with teams continuing to douse the site in water to prevent any resurgence.

Deputy Governor of Phetchaburi Wanphen Mangsri and Virat Phenchan, head of the Phetchaburi Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, were present to oversee rescue operations and ensure the site was safely managed. The preliminary damage report indicates the financial toll is steep, surpassing 10 million baht (around US$305,655).

Early investigations suggest that an electrical short circuit in an air compressor may have sparked the fire, although forensic police are set to conduct a thorough examination to pinpoint the exact cause. Fortunately, thanks to timely intervention and coordinated emergency response, no injuries or fatalities have been reported.

This incident highlights the potential hazards associated with manufacturing environments, particularly those storing large quantities of flammable materials. Authorities are likely to review safety protocols and preventative measures in similar facilities to safeguard against future incidents of this magnitude. As the community rallies to support the affected company, the focus remains squarely on establishing stringent fire safety standards to protect both lives and livelihoods.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-09