A massive fire at a tire recycling factory in Samut Prakan has raged for more than ten hours, spewing thick, toxic smoke over nearby communities and prompting a major environmental and public health response. The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of November 12th in a Bang Phli District warehouse, has proven exceptionally difficult to contain due to the vast quantity of burning rubber.

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Firefighting crews have been unable to directly approach the core of the inferno, resorting to using backhoes to dismantle massive piles of used tires before applying water and foam. Officials estimate it will take through the night to fully extinguish all hotspots. Authorities have issued urgent health advisories, instructing residents in surrounding areas to remain indoors with windows closed to avoid exposure to the acrid fumes, which have already caused reports of respiratory irritation.

Fire broke out at a tire recycling factory in Samut Prakan province: Severe blaze temain uncontrolled after 5 hours as one Wednesday. #Thailand #SamutPrakan
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— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) November 12, 2025

An initial investigation by the Samut Prakan Provincial Industry Office has revealed the factory was operating illegally. The site was licensed as a metal mould and component manufacturer but was being used to import and process old tires, primarily from China, to extract and resell steel components.

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Authorities are preparing to take legal action against a Chinese investor who rented the site for this unauthorized recycling operation, a violation that carries penalties of up to two years in prison and a 200,000 baht fine. The Provincial Industry Office has announced it will expand its probe to other factories in the region suspected of similar illicit activities.

-Thailand News (TN)