Chemical Leak in Samut Prakan Highlights Cost of Lapses in Industrial Safety
SAMUT PRAKAN — Nearly 50 residents were evacuated to hospital after a chemical leak contaminated a drainage canal in Samut Prakan province on Thursday, triggering a large-scale emergency response by multiple agencies.
At around 9:30am on 15 January 2026, emergency medical teams from several hospitals in Phra Samut Chedi district, along with Ruamkatanyu Foundation volunteers and local authorities, deployed more than 10 vehicles to evacuate residents from a community behind Khu Sang Market in Moo 1 of Pak Khlong Bang Pla Kod subdistrict. The affected area comprises about 60 households.
The evacuation followed a leak of ethyl acetate — a colourless, flammable solvent with a sweet, fruity odour commonly used in adhesives, nail polish remover and printing inks — from a cargo vessel during a chemical transfer at a private company’s pier. The substance flowed into a nearby canal, exposing residents, particularly elderly people, children and bedridden patients.
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2026/01/15/chemical-spill-sends-dozens-to-hospital-in-thailand
Authorities said more than 20 residents were initially taken to nearby hospitals after experiencing symptoms consistent with chemical exposure.
One resident, 59-year-old Phat Saimanee, said she first noticed a strong, acrid smell inside her home at around 5am. She experienced dizziness, nausea and vomiting and initially believed the odour was coming from a nearby hospital. After checking a floodgate opposite the community, near the company involved, she saw fumes rising from the water and said the smell was far stronger than normal wastewater.
Other residents reported waking between 4am and 5am to a pungent smell resembling paint thinner or alcohol. As the odour intensified through the morning, many felt dizzy, vomited or had difficulty breathing, forcing them to flee their homes. Several complained of chest tightness and shortness of breath and were taken to hospital for medical evaluation.
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2026/01/15/chemical-spill-sends-dozens-to-hospital-in-thailand
Skulwalai Cheewbangyang, director of public health and environment at the Phra Samut Chedi municipality, said preliminary inspections confirmed the leaked substance was ethyl acetate, which the company stores for industrial clients and transports by boat. She said a contractor made an error during the transfer process, releasing the chemical into the wrong pipeline.
According to the company, the leak began around 2am and was brought under control within 30 minutes. Although the spill has been contained, Ms Skulwalai warned that ethyl acetate can cause irritation to the eyes and throat as well as skin inflammation. At least seven residents had been hospitalised at the time of her briefing, with numbers still being verified.
Local officials, public health personnel, disaster prevention teams, hospital staff and rescue volunteers assisted with evacuations throughout the morning, relocating nearly all residents from the affected area. Only a small number of households at the far end of the community were unaffected.
Later, company representatives deployed foam agents to neutralise remaining chemicals and began pumping contaminated water from the canal. Authorities said water quality and oxygen levels would be closely monitored and restored as quickly as possible, and affected residents would receive compensation and assistance.
The incident has highlighted the critical importance of strict safety procedures, proper training and regulatory oversight in the handling of hazardous substances. It also underscores a broader moral responsibility: industrial operators must prioritise public safety and environmental protection above convenience or cost, as lapses in care can have immediate and serious consequences for vulnerable communities living nearby.
