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By Drivers of natural-gas powered vehicles should beware substandard tanks and conversions can explode, injuring you and others.

An expert says while there are hundreds of mechanics skilled in installing tanks and conversion systems, there's nobody to check that work and declare it safe.

Graduate School of Energy and Environment specialist Athikom Bangvivat says there are 138 liquid-petroleum gas installation centres certified by the Land Transportation Department.

But, there's just 49 inspectors to monitor all these centres. There are zero qualified specialists checking on the standards of gas tanks used in converted vehicles.

"No one can guarantee gas tanks will not explode," he says.

With soaring petrol prices as a result of high crude futures, the government is encouraging motorists to convert their cars to run on natural gas.

It's believed there are 93,500 vehicles on Thailand's roads burning natural or liquid petroleum gas.

But, because of the lack of monitoring, people are getting worried there will soon be a bad accident.

Lerdsin Hospital director Dr Pravit Limkuansuwan is frightened drivers, passengers and others are at risk of serious injury caused by an exploding gas tank or substandard installation.

He says illegally installed gas-fuel systems or improper installation cannot handle the high pressures required.

Gas is stored at 3,000 pounds-per-square-inch. If gas under this much pressure explodes, it can cause serious injury. These can include middle ear and other nasty internal injuries.

As well as flying metal, injuries occur because of the massive pressure exerted on the body in such an explosion.

However, PTT marketing vice president Punnachai

 Footrakul says the gas tanks used here are up to international standard. Installations are carried out to exacting world standards, too.

PTT and the Defence Ministry have tested tanks by firing bullets at them, setting them on fire and putting them under extreme pressure.

None have exploded.