SAMUT PRAKAN, THAILAND – Authorities said an acute danger from a chemical incident in Phra Samut Chedi had been contained after corrosive fumes prompted mass evacuations and school closures.
Chemical fumes blanket residential area
The incident occurred early Thursday morning behind the Ku Sang Market, when a biting, acrid cloud spread over the surrounding residential area. Residents reported through social media a “choking smell” that caused intense burning in the nose and throat, with many suffering dizziness and breathing difficulties.
“The air was no longer breathable. We had to leave our house immediately.”
said a resident in the Facebook group “We Love Phra Samut Chedi”.
Evacuations and school closures ordered
Immediately after the first reports, authorities ordered the closure of several schools and contacted parents to collect their children at once. Mayor Nutjaree Phuengchuen coordinated the response measures and oversaw the establishment of an emergency centre behind the market, where residents were medically examined and given temporary shelter.
Leak sealed and acute danger lifted
Special units from the fire brigade and disaster prevention services located the source of the chemical release and sealed the leak over the course of the day. The affected zones were cordoned off on a wide scale, with measurements taken and the air continuously monitored until emergency teams declared no acute health risk remained by evening.
“The situation is under control. The immediate danger is over.”
said a spokeswoman for the emergency command.
Residents return amid ongoing investigation
Evacuated residents were gradually allowed to return home, and schools resumed operations once cleared by the authorities. It remained unclear which chemical was involved and how the release occurred, and investigations were still under way.
Unanswered questions on invisible risks
The incident left lingering unease over the safety of industrial and storage areas near homes and who oversees what is stored there. The event raised the question of how close danger must come before prevention is taken more seriously and whether this was an accident or a man-made risk that could have been avoided.