Thai ministers to discuss Bangchak fire

The fire at the Bangchak Petroleum Plc refinery will be discussed at the meeting of the economic ministers, Thai Deputy PM Kittiratt Na-Ranong said.

The fire and explosion at the Bangchak Petroleum Plc refinery in Sukhunvit Soi 64 this morning will be discussed at the meeting of the economic ministers today, Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong said on Wednesday.
He said Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had been briefed on the incident.

The Bangchak refinery might be initially closed for at least 30 days for inspection, Mr Kittiratt said.

Government spokeswoman Sansanee Nakpong also confirmed the prime minister had been informed about the fire and she had ordered Energy Minister Arak Chonlathanont to go the scene for an inspection.

Industry Minister Pongsvas Svasti said there might be  a leak in the gas pipeline and this could have  caused the fire, followed by the explosion.

The situation had been brought under control and it was certain the fire would not spread elsewhere.  The people in nearby communities did not panic and they had not been evacuated, he said.

The Natural Resources and Enviroment Ministry would check for pollution from the accident.

The refinery would be initially closed for at least 30 days for inspection, Mr Pongsvas said.

He said there would be consultations with the energy ministry to decide whether to relocate the refinery.