Ammonia Release at Trang Ice Plant Leaves Two Treated, Spurs Safety Overhaul
Earlier this week, a sudden surge of ammonia gas burst free from Cool Ice Trang’s Thap Thiang facility in Trang after a lid on a pressurised tank gave way, prompting a rapid response that confined the hazard and kept the wider community safe.
Quick TakeThe release occurred just before midday at Cool Ice Trang’s Thap Thiang facility. Two people suffered brief respiratory irritation and were treated at a local hospital before being cleared. Municipal fire and rescue teams sealed the site within hours, underscoring the industry’s need for stringent inspection routines and preventive maintenance.
Failure at the Cooling UnitAt the heart of the incident was a faulty seal on one of the ammonia storage vessels at Cool Ice Trang’s Thap Thiang facility. Witnesses described a sharp hiss as the refrigerant escaped through a cracked weld, releasing pungent vapours across adjacent streets. While modern chillers rely on ammonia for its high efficiency, this chemical demands precise handling. Early technical analysis suggests metal fatigue and a worn gasket contributed to the breach, a reminder that regular component replacement is nonnegotiable.
Community Response and Emergency MeasuresLocal residents watched anxiously as firefighters and hazardous materials crews erected cordons around the factory. Thanks to advanced gas sensors and coordinated drills held earlier this year, containment took under two hours. Officers advised nearby households to keep windows closed and offered temporary shelter to those most concerned. The two affected workers, both plant employees, were hospitalised briefly with mild airway inflammation, then discharged once their breathing stabilised.
Strengthening Industry SafeguardsThis episode arrives amid a national push to tighten regulations on industrial refrigerants. Since last December, the Ministry of Industry has rolled out updated standards covering installation, repair and leak detection. Referred to informally as the 3 ส. 2 ป. framework—comprising three ส.: สะสาง (sorting), สะดวก (setting in order), สะอาด (cleanliness); and two ป.: ป้องกัน (prevention) and ปรับปรุง (improvement)—these guidelines mandate routine checks of tank integrity and the installation of electronic leak alarms. Enforcement has stepped up across more than 1,800 ice factories, many of which saw inspections in the wake of past ammonia escapes in Chonburi and Pattani provinces.
What Residents Should KnowAmmonia, though common in refrigeration, can irritate eyes, skin and lungs when released at high concentrations. Authorities advise everyone living near cold-storage facilities to familiarise themselves with emergency alerts issued by local disaster prevention offices. In case of a suspected leak, the best practice is to move upwind and contact municipal hotlines immediately. Staying informed about factory operations and community drills can turn bystanders into first responders in critical moments.
Looking AheadWhile no permanent injuries resulted from this Trang leak, its timing during a seasonal demand surge for ice highlights persistent vulnerabilities in Thailand’s cold chain. Plant managers now face not only repair bills but also stricter audits by the Department of Industrial Works. Fines and temporary shutdowns await any operator found skimping on maintenance. For residents and businesses alike, the incident stands as both a cautionary tale and a catalyst for driving improvements in chemical safety across the country.