"Varawut" Orders DIW to Tighten Factory Safety Measures in Preparation for Summer

Today (April 21, 2026) at 9:40 AM, at Government House, Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, gave an interview before the Cabinet meeting regarding the frequent factory fires during the summer. He stated that he has instructed Mr. Poryot Glankrong, Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works (DIW), to upgrade safety measures and proactively monitor operations nationwide. Three main measures must be implemented intensively to reduce losses. Some measures have already been implemented, such as issuing warning letters to operators and various industry associations twice a year, the most recent of which was on March 11.

Mr. Varawut added that, as a key proactive measure, the DIW will inspect high-risk areas, focusing on plastic, paper, paint, and tire factories. Intensive online training will be conducted monthly, and on-site safety plan drills will be conducted in industrial zones. "The goal is to train at least 6,000 people per year."

“The final measure, a legal regulation, is the Ministry of Industry’s announcement of 2009, which mandates that Class 2 and 3 factories install automatic fire detection and alarm systems in high-risk areas. They must also have sufficient 4.5 kg fire extinguishers for the area. Warehouses with an area of 1,000 square meters or more, or areas storing flammable materials of 14 square meters or more, must strictly install automatic fire extinguishing systems (sprinklers) as required by law,” Mr. Varawut said.

Mr. Varawut added that last week, fires occurred at an electronics parts manufacturing plant in Rojana Industrial Park 1, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and at an eyewear manufacturing warehouse on Highway 340 in Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi.