Bangkok’s main international airport, Suvarnabhumi, remains open as normal with planes landing and taking off as usual, said Deputy Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport Kittiya Kontong today (Monday).
A huge plume of black smoke, billowing from a burning chemical factory in Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan, can be clearly seen in the skies over parts of the airport.
He said that he has been in close contact with the control tower and the Aeronautical Meteorology Division of the Meteorological Department and has been assured that the fire and the fumes from the burning factory will not impact aviation operations.
He added, however, that the airport has provided support to all the agencies engaged in providing relief and public disaster mitigation operations to help the affected people.
Moreover, a space has been reserved near the firefighting unit, on the western wing of the airport, to provide logistical support for helicopters, from the Department of Public Disaster and Mitigation, being used to fight the chemical fire.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered all relevant agencies to provide relief to people living around the factory, who have evacuated to a school and the Ruamkatanyu Foundation.
Deputy government spokeswoman Traisulee Traisoranakul said the prime minister reminded officials to treat the safety of people as first priority, especially against the hazardous fumes.
One fireman, from Lat Luang municipality in Samut Prakan, was killed and four others injured as they tried to put out the fire. About two dozen other people were also reported injured.
Source: Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS)