SAMUT PRAKAN — Rescue workers and medical teams evacuated nearly 50 residents to hospital after a chemical leak contaminated a drainage canal in Samut Prakan province, prompting a multi-agency emergency response.
At about 09:30 on 15 January 2026, emergency medical teams from several hospitals in Phra Samut Chedi district, volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation and local authorities deployed more than 10 vehicles to evacuate residents from a community behind Khu Sang Market in Moo 1, Pak Khlong Bang Pla Kod subdistrict. The area is home to about 60 households.
The evacuation followed a leak of ethyl acetate, a colourless, flammable organic solvent with a sweet, fruity smell commonly used in adhesives, nail polish remover and printing inks, from a cargo vessel while chemicals were being transferred at a private company’s pier. The substance flowed into a nearby canal, affecting residents, particularly the elderly, children and bed-bound patients.
Authorities said more than 20 people were initially taken to nearby hospitals after suffering symptoms linked to chemical exposure.
One resident, 59-year-old Phat Saimanee, said she first noticed a strong, acrid smell around 05:00 while inside her home. She experienced dizziness, nausea and vomiting and initially thought the odour came from a nearby hospital. After investigating a floodgate across from the community, close to the company involved, she saw fumes rising from the water and said the smell was far stronger than ordinary wastewater.
Other residents reported waking between 04:00 and 05:00 to a pungent odour resembling thinner, alcohol or fresh paint. As the smell intensified through the morning, many felt dizzy, vomited or struggled to breathe, forcing them to leave their homes. Some complained of chest tightness and shortness of breath and were taken to hospital for checks.
Skulwalai Cheewbangyang, director of public health and environment at Phra Samut Chedi municipality, said preliminary inspections confirmed the leaked substance was ethyl acetate, which the company stores for industrial clients and transports by boat. She said a contractor made an error during transfer, releasing the chemical into the wrong pipeline.
The company told authorities the leak began around 02:00 and was contained within 30 minutes. The spill has since been stopped, she said, but the chemical can cause throat and eye irritation and skin inflammation. At least seven residents were confirmed hospitalised at the time of her briefing, with figures still being compiled.
Local officials, public health workers, disaster prevention teams, hospital staff and rescue volunteers assisted with evacuations throughout the morning, moving nearly all residents out of the affected area except for a small number at the far end of the community who were not impacted.
Later, company representatives deployed foam agents to neutralise remaining chemicals and began pumping contaminated water from the canal. Officials said water quality and oxygen levels would be monitored and restored as quickly as possible, and affected residents would receive compensation and assistance.
