PM orders detailed report on Map Ta Phut gas leak

BANGKOK, 13 December 2009 (NNT) – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has demanded detailed reports on the recent gas leakage in the Map Ta Phut industrial estate and clearer measures to prevent similar accidents.

Prime Minister Abhisit said he had received preliminary reports on the incident but was quite surprised that the reports indicated the cause differently. He however said that he had tasked related officials to provide reports in greater details.
R Upon the safety measures in Map Ta Phut industrial estate, the Prime Minister admitted that the accident exacerbated concerns and lack of confidence among people. He then urged the implementation of strict safety measures and clear investigations into the incident.

Asked if the accident will affect 65 other suspended projects of Map Ta Phut, Prime Minister Abhisit said the news had caused public concern and their denial to the remaining projects. He said the society must be assured that all projects would be supervised under strict regulations.

The gas odor was detected on Saturday morning at the construction site of Glow Energy power plant. Hundreds of workers were evacuated, four of whom were hospitalized for dizziness and nausea. At present, two of them have been allowed to return home while the other two are kept under close care for having chest pain.