Thailand Warns Public on Danger of Toxic Fumes From Ayutthaya, Rayong Chemical Blazes

BANGKOK, May 13 (Bernama) -- Members of the public in Rayong and Ayutthaya of Thailand are warned about the danger of toxic fumes following two chemical blazes there recently.

The director-general of the Department of Health, Dr Atchara Nitiapinyaskul, said people who live in the proximity of the incidents should be vigilant and observe their family members for symptoms.

She said the department is monitoring the two incidents, which occurred at Moo 2, Phachi sub-district in Ayutthaya province, and Map Ta Phut Tank Terminal in Map Ta Phut Industrial Port, Rayong province.

"We have sent our teams to assess the environmental health risks and impact on public health in these two areas. We have opened a Medical and Public Health Emergency Operations Centre in Ayutthaya," she said in a statement recently.

Dr Atchara advised local government agencies to organise evacuation drills so that people will know how to escape from potential disasters and to prevent health risks.

"If you experience symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain or body irritation, immediately seek medical attention," she said.

The warning came after a blaze at a chemical warehouse in Phachi on May 1, which affected residents of several communities in the district. Then on last Thursday, a pyrolysis gasoline tank of Map Ta Phut Tank Terminal Co Ltd in Rayong city exploded, causing a fire that killed one person and injured four others.

-- BERNAMA