Police probe suspected arson in warehouse chemical fires

A police panel has been established to investigate possible arson in the fires at chemical warehouses in Rayong and Ayutthaya earlier this year.

Police Lieutenant General Archayon Kraithong, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police (RTP), announced yesterday, May 26, that he had convened with police investigators from local stations, the Industrial Works Department, the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, and other state agencies to discuss the ongoing investigations.

The meeting addressed the progress of probes into the fire at Win Process’ chemical warehouse in Ban Khai district, Rayong, and a separate warehouse in Phachi district, Ayutthaya, owned by another company.

Police General Kittirat Phanphet, acting national police chief, has directed investigators to expedite evidence collection and present their findings to an RTP team focused on this case.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Archayon stated that the Central Forensic Science Office had inspected the Ayutthaya chemical plant. The blaze, which occurred twice, first in February and again at the beginning of this month suggested potential arson.

“Several witnesses supported the theory, and ‘solid evidence’ had been discovered.”

Authorities are also examining other sites where hazardous materials were stored, with plans to implement safety measures to prevent similar incidents.

Regarding the Win Process warehouse, Pol. Lt. Gen. Archayon noted that a legal review is necessary to determine if the company was managing its chemicals appropriately.

Chair of the Rayong provincial administrative organisation, Piya Pitutacha mentioned that the province is revising its strategy to prevent 200,000 cubic metres of contaminated water from the Win Process site from entering residential areas.

Initially, the plan involved creating ponds at the site to contain the contaminated water but was quickly abandoned due to the severe damage caused by the chemicals stored in the area over the years.

The Thai authorities’ focus remains on ensuring proper chemical management and preventing environmental contamination from these hazardous sites, reported Bangkok Post.