Gas explosion in Thailand raises concerns about safety

Natural gas pipeline owned by PTT Public Company Limited, the energy state enterprise of Thailand, has exploded in the Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan province on 22 October 2020. Three local people were killed, 52 injured, while nine houses and 20 vehicles were damaged. According to an official from PTT, gas was leaked from a pipeline and ignited. The Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment sent officers to check for hazardous substances that may have been left at the site after the explosion.

The explosion took place during a gas transfer from Laem Chabang, Chonburi province to an industrial estate in Samut Prakan province. A backhoe drill of a construction project hit and damaged the pipeline. Thai prime minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, ordered an investigation to the relevant department. PTT announced and confirmed that they would make full compensation for victims and damages.