RAYONG: A fierce fire raged through a silicone end-products factory in Ban Chang district on Thursday morning, sending employees and nearby residents fleeing in panic.
Around 10 fire trucks and crews fought the blaze at the Asia Silicones Monomer factory inside the Asia Industrial Estate, a duty officer at Ban Chang police station said. The fire was reported about 8.30am.
It began in an area producing siloxane, or dimethicone, a clear polymer used for making silicone products.
Thanathorn Srinak, head of Rayong disaster prevention and mitigation office, said a 1,000-litre container caught fire, Thai media reported.
The fierce blaze sent workers inside the premises and people in an adjoining scurrying. Firemen took about to control the fire.
Damage was being estimated. There were no reports of injuries. Police are investigating.
Asia Silicones Monomer is owned by Japan-based Shin-Etsu Silicone.
