Mr. Phairoj Chotigasetthi, the Labor Ministry’s Secretary, revealed the incident of an explosion inside an ice factory in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, on April 17, which resulted in many injuries and an ammonia leak with a radius of 1 kilometer, prompting the evacuation of nearby residents in Bang Lamung District. According to reports from the Chonburi Provincial Office of Labor Protection and Welfare, a chemical leak occurred on April 17 at 11:30 p.m. at the Bang Lamung Ice Factory, located at 54 Moo 12, Nong Pru Sub-district, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. The factory, managed by Ms. Phasuk Pathansin, produces ice.
The Chief of the Chonburi Provincial Office of Labor Protection and Welfare, Mr. Prasit Patankaroro, along with labor inspection officers, investigated the incident and confirmed that there were a total of 170 employees at the factory, with 10 employees working at the time of the incident. … The incident was caused by an ammonia leak from the cooling system tank, which is currently being inspected for leakage points. Production at the affected area has been suspended, and ice is being sourced from other branches for normal distribution.
Mr. Phairoj stated that two employees are still receiving treatment and are expected to be discharged from the hospital today. Additionally, local residents in the vicinity have been affected, resulting in approximately 111 injuries, mostly respiratory irritation.
The situation is now under control, with a slight lingering smell of ammonia. The factory is spraying water intermittently to dilute the ammonia into the drainage system as much as possible. They have also confirmed that they will continue to take care of those affected by the incident.
Mr. Phairoj further stated that, based on this case, there are two relevant laws: 1) the Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment Act of 2011, and 2) the Ministerial Regulation on Standards for the Management, Operation, and Enforcement of Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental Conditions Concerning Hazardous Chemicals of 2013.
“However, the Chonburi Provincial Office of Labor Protection and Welfare has already informed the employer and ensured that they understand the procedures well. They have also sent a letter inviting the employer to meet with labor inspection officers to provide accurate information on April 30 for further legal proceedings,” Mr. Phairoj said
