"Warawut" inspects a mysterious factory fire, finds large piles of used tires, discovers no operating license, and vows strict legal enforcement.
On 7 Aug 2026, Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, disclosed that following a fire at an unnumbered building in Moo 6, Khlong Kiu Subdistrict, Ban Bueng District, Chonburi Province, earlier that morning, he ordered officials from the Department of Industrial Works and the Chonburi Provincial Industry Office to promptly investigate the situation on site.
Warawut said that initially the fire was confined within the building and did not spread outside. Firefighters sprayed water intensively to contain the blaze. Although Chonburi Provincial Industry Office officials have not yet been able to enter the building, external observations revealed many old tires and machinery inside. No injuries or fatalities have been reported from the incident.
Moreover, the Ministry of Industry has deployed a mobile environmental quality operation vehicle to the fire site to urgently measure air quality, odors, pollution, and chemical vapors in the surrounding area to assess impacts and protect local residents' safety.
The Minister added that inquiries with the company's lead inspector have yet to confirm whether the building was constructed as a warehouse or factory. However, initial database checks found that the site lacks a factory operation license. Additionally, numerous piles of discarded or substandard tires were found openly stored on the premises, prompting further investigation into their origin and purpose.
“After the fire is extinguished, I have instructed the Chonburi Provincial Industry Office to conduct a thorough inspection and gather evidence. If unauthorized operations are confirmed, the Ministry of Industry will enforce the Factory Act B.E. 2535 decisively and fully,” Warawut emphasized.
Warawut concluded by urging the public to report emergencies, suspicious incidents, or complaints regarding industrial factories via the Ministry of Industry hotline at 1564, available 24 hours. He assured that the Ministry will closely monitor and investigate all incidents to ensure maximum public safety.