The fire that had raged through a plastics factory in Samut Prakan since early Monday has been brought under control, but some small fires continued through Tuesday morning.

Firefighters continued to spray water and flame retardents on the smoking ruins of the Taiwanese-owned Ming Dih Chemical Co factory.

Rescures said on Tuesday the fire was declared under control about 5am, more than 24 hours after a huge explosion started the blaze.

Flames continued to erupt intermittently.

The fire destroyed the factory. One firefighter was killed and 12 volunteer firefighters and 33 other people were injured. The explosion and fire also damaged 73 houses and 15 cars in the surrounding area.

About 1,900 residents of houses within a five-kilometre radius were evacuated on Monday to eight temporary shelters. They were warned the smoke and fumes were toxic. On Tuesday morning, officials said it was still not safe for them to return home.

The Department of Pollution Control is checking the air quality within a five-kilometre radius of the factory.