CHON BURI: One hundred thirty-three people were injured, with at least 80 hospitalised, after cargo containers at Laem Chabang port burst into flames, following a loud bang around dawn.
Sri Racha district, where the explosion took place, has since been declared a danger zone.
After reports of a rising number of victims in the area, authorities declared the area within 15 kilometres of the ship's dock as a "red zone".
According to rescuers, passers-by claimed they saw a "shower of chemical-like liquid" during the fire, which emitted a strong stench and made their eyes and skin sting.
Some also reported they had tightness in their chests, burned skin and problems breathing.
Public health officials have advised people in the area to don masks.
"All containers of hazardous goods had been unloaded before the accident," Laem Chabang port chief Lt Jg Yutthana Mokkhao said, trying to alleviate the fear of harmful chemicals.
It was possible that some products, believed to be plastic toys, caught fire and turned into "dangerous substances" after burning, officials said.
Police and port officials are inspecting the scene to identify the cause of the explosion.
The fire erupted on a cargo ship operated by KMTC Hong Kong Co.
Thick black smoke billowed from the fire-gutted containers, and debris from the blaze damaged cars that were parked nearby.
The Port Authority of Thailand director-general Kamolsak Promprayoon was alerted to the incident around 6.45am.
Several firemen and rescue workers with over 10 firetrucks rushed to the port to get the blaze under control.
Thongsuk Chantasorn, 63 and head of the crew of another ship, said he heard a loud bang and saw the container that blew up, spewing the black smoke.
More loud explosions followed.
White scraps of rubber also hit and injured people in the area.
Most of the victims were port workers who sustained burns on their faces, legs and arms.
Witthaya Chokchaipaisarn, of the Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital in Sri Racha, said many people sought treatment for burns and eye irritation at the hospital, which had set up a tent to treat patients.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday instructed officials to speed up the investigation and tell people living near the area to follow official safety advice, deputy government spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipak said.