Thousands of people were evacuated near the Suvarnabhumi airport on the outskirts of this capital, and firefighters battle the flames for hours after the detonation.

The fire broke out at around three in the morning (local time) Monday in a capital city’s factory, after the explosion windows of surrounding houses broke and debris filled the air.

Residents of Samut Prakan province who live within a five-kilometer area around the factory were moved as a precaution, authorities said.

According to preliminary information, 70 houses were damaged and fires are still being fought, nine hours after the explosion in the early hours this Monday.

Firefighters used helicopters to pour water into hard-to-reach areas in the large complex, owned by the Ming Dih Chemical company.

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