PCD preparing lawsuits

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) is preparing to seek compensation from at least one company for the leakage of sodium persulfate at Laem Chabang Port last Wednesday.

"We are now assessing the damage and we will sue those responsible," PCD director-general Supat Wangwongwattana said yesterday.

The chemical, which severely irritates the eyes, skin and respiratory system, came from a container.

The PCD would seek reimbursements for expenses in recovering the chemical and rehabilitating the environment.

"We should be able to identify the amount and defendants in this case before the end of this week," he said.

It remains unclear whether the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT), which owns the Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri, will be among the defendants.

Supat said the gas victims could also take legal recourse. More than 260 families were affected.

"They may sue as a group or as an individual," he said.

Dozens of people including port officials were hospitalised.

One woman named Sunee Phupetch soon died at a hospital, but an initial autopsy by Police General Hospital suggested the cause was unrelated to the accident.

A thorough investigation is underway and the results are expected to come out in two weeks.

Sunee's family has so far received Bt25,000 from the PAT as well as concerned companies.

However, Deputy Transport Minister Kuakul Danchaiwijit said that was just initial assistance.

"Authorities will consider giving more help," he said after meeting with Eastern People Network coordinator Sutthi Atchasai.

Sutthi had led a group of residents, including Sunee's family, to a meeting with Kuakul.

Besides demanding fair compensation for Sunee's death and for people suffering from the chemical spill, Sutthi's group also called for a quality check at all ports and strict enforcement of regulations.

"We have already established a fact-finding committee to look into the Laem Chabang case," Kuakul said.

The PCD said the air quality around the port had already returned to normal. "Locals can now live their regular lives. They don't need to worry that their food or drink will be contaminated," Supat said.