Pictures courtesy of Matichon

 

A massive fire has continued to burn for more than 10 hours at a tyre recycling factory in Samut Prakan, sending thick toxic smoke across nearby communities and prompting authorities to consider legal action against a Chinese investor allegedly operating the site illegally. The blaze broke out in the early hours of 12 November inside a warehouse on Thanasit Road in Bang Pla, Bang Phli District. Firefighters battled the flames or over 10 Hours, struggling to gain control due to the vast quantity of burning rubber.

 

The warehouse, filled with piles of used tyres, ignited with intense heat and thick smoke, making it impossible for firefighters to reach the source of the fire directly. Teams resorted to using backhoes to dismantle the stacks of tyres layer by layer before spraying water and foam to contain the flames. Officials estimate it will take all night before all remaining hot spots, can be fully extinguished.

 

Authorities warned residents in nearby communities to remain indoors and close windows to limit exposure to the acrid fumes. Many households have reported respiratory irritation, with some residents experiencing eye and nose stinging due to the smoke. Fire crews worked to restrict the spread of toxic fumes while environmental officials monitor air quality in the area.

 

An initial inspection by the Samut Prakan Provincial Industry Office revealed that the factory was licensed to operate as a metal mould and component manufacturer, not a tyre recycling facility. Investigators found that the site was being used to import and process old tyres, mainly from China, to extract and resell steel and wire components, activities that breach the plant’s authorised permit.

 

Factory supervisor Ms. Bow told officials that a Chinese investor had rented the site to run the recycling business. Authorities believe the operation constitutes a violation under Section 12 of the Factory Act for conducting an unlicensed or unauthorised activity. The offence carries a penalty of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both. Officials plan to summon the investor and other involved parties for questioning to trace the supply chain of imported waste materials.

 

The Provincial Industry Office will also extend its investigation to other factories in the region suspected of similar operations. Officials aim to prevent future environmental hazards and ensure stricter enforcement of industrial licensing regulations following this incident.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A tyre recycling factory in Samut Prakan has burned for over 10 hours, spreading toxic smoke across nearby communities.

• Officials discovered the site was licensed for metalwork, not recycling, and was operated by a Chinese investor.

• Authorities plan legal action and further inspections of similar factories in the area.

 

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Matichon 2025-11-13

 

 

 

 

How are tires recycled anyway? I doubt these firefighters will be compensated for having shortened their lives with toxics smoke.

 

Water does not put out a tire fire. At least one has burned for 15 years.