Approximately five hours after a fire started at a business called Map Tha Phut Tank Terminal in Rayong province, firefighters have not yet been able to put it out. By 4:30 pm, it's been reported that the fire has spread to a third tank. People can see flames and a large column of black smoke from a long distance.
At least one worker has died in the fire. People who work there and people who live close by have been moved out. The event was reported on mainstream media and on social media sites.
Some Thai internet users sent messages of support to the people fighting the fire, while others prayed for those affected.
The fire at the Map Ta Phut Tank Terminal company began around 10:30 am, in a tank used for storing pyrolysis gasoline, sending a large column of black smoke high into the sky, which could be seen from quite far away.
The company is a business port and storage terminal, keeping liquid and gaseous chemicals, such as petroleum products.
The company's second official statement said that four workers were hurt and one was killed.
Other workers have been taken out of the area.
Rescue workers and firefighters fought the fire, and there were occasional explosions.
Officials closed roads to help with the emergency response and to make sure people are safe. The fire is thought to have made the air quality in the area around it worse.
However, Veeris Ammarapala, who is the Director of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, said that the particles and smoke from the fire have not caused any effects on communities or the environment yet.
Boats are ready to be used in case there is an urgent need to move people out.
Veeris added that, after the fire is put out, the company has to make sure that this kind of accident won't happen again.
