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Probe urged for permit allowing for Ming Dih Chemical to increase production capacity

13 Sept 06:37 Key points summarised by AI

An environmental group urges Thailand's Industry Minister to investigate the permit allowing Ming Dih Chemical to increase production capacity by 15 times, despite its location near communities and an airport.
The appeal follows a factory explosion that caused a fire, poisonous fumes, and the leakage of styrene monomer into local waterways, forcing evacuations.
Critics argue the factory should have been relocated, not expanded, as the area is not an industrial zone.
Authorities have issued warnings against consuming fish or using water from nearby canals due to high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) resulting from the chemical spill.
While remaining chemicals are being disposed of, the factory compound still registers unsafe styrene vapor levels, though the surrounding atmosphere is clear.

Yesterday 16:06 Key points summarised by AI

Two suspected drug couriers were killed in a shootout with narcotics officers in Phetchaburi province.
Authorities seized approximately half a tonne of crystal methamphetamine, also known as Ice, during the operation.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night after officers tracked a network suspected of transporting large quantities of drugs to southern Thailand.
The suspects, identified as Chattharin and Rungarun, both 27, opened fire when confronted by officers, who returned fire, resulting in their deaths.