Locals affected by the Samut Prakan landfill fire are to sue those responsible for the incident with help from the Lawyers Council of Thailand.
Council vice-president Suwit Choey-ubol yesterday led a team to offer legal advice to residents living near the dump site in tambon Phraeksa, Muang district.
Residents have authorised the council to file lawsuits on their behalf.
Lawsuits with the Administrative Court will target state agencies, including the chief of Phraeksa Tambon Administrative Organisation, the Samut Prakan governor, the provincial industrial office, the provincial natural resources and environment office and the Pollution Control Department, Mr Suwit said.
The court will also be asked to stop the area being used as a dump site.
Civil Court lawsuits for damages to people's health and well-being will be lodged against the owners of the landfill this week, he said.
The Department of Special Investigation will be asked to pursue the criminal cases, Mr Suwit said, adding that residents from 1,900 households affected by the fire had filed complaints at Bangpoo police station.
Assistant district chief Mongkol Korong said the fire was successfully contained at 6pm on Saturday, although 15 firetrucks and five amphibious vehicles are still on duty.
The fire could be totally extinguished within the next three days, Mr Mongkol added.
Permanent secretary for Public Health Narong Sahametapat said yesterday that 1,200 people fell ill from blaze-related pollution from March 16-22. Most suffered eye, throat and nose irritation.
A 20-month-old child who was treated for lung infection at Samut Prakan Hospital has recovered and been discharged, he said.
Dr Nampol Danpipat, deputy chief of the provincial health office, said air quality levels are now safe.
The office will offer free medical checks for locals and continue to monitor air quality, food and water supplies.
