Volunteer firefighters were lauded as “true heroes” after they spent more than 25 hours trying to bring the factory fire in Soi King Kaew under control, while the government faces backlash for its handling, or lack thereof.
The group of firefighters from various non-profits brought their own equipment to manage the deadly fire that began yesterday morning at the chemical plant in the Bangkok metropolitan area. The fire killed one, injured 60 people, and forced over 1,800 people living within a 5-kilometer radius to evacuate from their damaged homes resulting from the impact of the explosions.
“Firefighters are volunteers from foundations using their OWN equipment and WITHOUT ANY HELP FROM GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES,” Twitter user @85archive wrote, sharing images of a soldier wearing a highly protective chemical respirator while volunteer firefighters had surgical masks.
Firefighters are volunteers from foundations, using their OWN equipment and WITHOUT ANY HELP FROM GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES. Last photo shows a soldier wearing a gas mask while firefighters, directly exposed to chemicals, only wear average masks.#โรงงานกิ่งเเก้วไฟไหม้ pic.twitter.com/ysL0oDpWIu
— m (@85archive) July 6, 2021
The government deployed only two firefighting aircraft to the scene.
Monday’s incident killed 19-year-old volunteer firefighter Korasit Raopan, prompting many to praise him for his heroic bravery and send wishes that he rests in peace.
Since yesterday, netizens mainly criticized government officials such as Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha as well as pop singer-turned-chief of Samut Prakan Provincial Administrative Organisation, Nantida Kaewbuasai. Neither appeared to bother with the crisis. A satirical poster demanding a response from Nantida is already making its rounds online.
Minister of Defence Prawit Wongsuwan also dodged questions about Monday’s fire when pressed by reporters on his way to his car yesterday.
“I have never seen useless people like the Thai government before,” Twitter user @tatarfm said.
The fire at the Ming Dih Chemical factory began at around 3am Monday and was brought under control at around 5am today. Residents in the area have been warned about health-threatening chemicals and were advised to shut their doors and windows, avoid going out and wear N95 respirators to prevent themselves from inhaling harmful fumes.
Seven places have been designated as emergency evacuation centers. Some hotel owners are offering discounts or free stays to those affected.
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