The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) will file for damages from the operator of a freighter which burst into flames at Laem Chabang port in Chon Buri's Sri Racha on Saturday morning, injuring more than 130 people and releasing noxious smoke into the air.
PAT director Kamolsak Promprayoon said the cargo ship operator flouted port procedures and will be held responsible for the incident which has caused damage to the port, disrupted its operations and resulted in injuries.
Initial reports said a total of 133 people were injured when cargo containers on a KMTC Hong Kong Co cargo ship exploded and caught fire.
The PAT initially paid medical expenses of 2,000 baht to the victims, most of whom suffered eye irritation, rashes and breathing difficulties.
Authorities declared a "red zone" within a 15-kilometre radius of the ship after the explosion sent thick smoke and chemical droplets into the sky which affected port workers and nearby residents.
Mr Kamolsak said those affected have until May 30 to lodge a complaint with the PAT, which will be part of the agency's legal action against the company.
According to Mr Kamolsak, the company will be called upon to pay for damage caused and to shoulder the medical bills of those injured.
He said the vessel operator had not declared to the PAT what the ship was carrying when it docked at Laem Chabang port, because the cargo was in transit and was meant to be unloaded at a port in Samut Prakan province.
He noted that ships carrying chemicals or hazardous products are required to follow port safety procedures, adding that an investigation into the fire is under way and initial findings showed the chemicals that caught fire were Class 5-oxidising substances and organic peroxides.
Thanabodi Thoopthianrat, assistant director of Laem Chabang port, said the freighter remains at the port pending completion of the decontamination. It will then face a Marine Department inspection before it can be released.