BANGKOK (The Nation/ANN): The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration confirmed that no ammonium nitrate has been stored in the city, but admitted that some businesses possess risky chemicals that need to be kept an eye on.
After the massive destruction and deaths caused by the shock chemical explosion in Beirut, many people in Bangkok were concerned whether any similar chemicals were being stored in the Thai capital.
BMA spokesman Pongsakorn Kwanmuang came out yesterday (Aug 5) to allay any fears and calm people over the particular chemical. He also expressed his condolences to Lebanese over the loss of their loved ones.
Pongsakorn categorically stated that no ammonium nitrate was stored in Bangkok. However, he said there are around 5,000 businesses that use harmful substances for their operations.
He assured residents that the BMA has been monitoring the chemicals or risky substances and has also provided training and seminars to educate such business operators on safety.
Defence Ministry spokesman Lt-General Kongcheep Tantrawanich also told a press conference on Wednesday that ammonium nitrate cannot be imported into the country without approval from the ministry.
“Most of the ammonium nitrate in our country is used in the stone mill industry, which must get approval before the chemical is imported and used under certain laws.
"There are officers who check the amount of chemical that is stored or used. Operators need to report what amount they use each time or how much is left, ” Kongcheep said. - The Nation/Asia News Network
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