In 2022 and 2023, The Ministry of Industry, Thailand had issued two Government Gazettes requiring the preparation of a safety data sheet (hereinafter referred to as "SDS") in the Thai language by April 25, 2024, for chemicals containing hazardous substances stipulated in the Hazardous Substances Act (hereinafter referred to as "hazardous chemicals").

The mandatory preparation of an SDS is considered to be an indication of the Ministry of Industry's strong will to prevent the recurrence of the explosion accident at a foreign-affiliated chemical plant (Samut Prakan Province, near Bangkok) on July 5, 2021.

The Chapter 3 and 15 of the SDS must specify the names of hazardous substances and applicable Thai laws. Still, in the case of a general global version of the SDS, there is a concern that only the English version or the relevant laws and regulations of Thailand are not described. In addition, confidential information (CBI) such as ingredient names, concentrations, and CAS numbers for hazardous substances are not preserved.

From April onwards, the Ministry of Industry will likely step up unannounced inspections of factories that handle hazardous chemicals, in addition to regular factory inspections. If it is considered malicious, direct punishment is possible. Businesses that deliver hazardous chemicals to target factories are also not exempted from their responsibilities as suppliers.

We saw a growing perception that the Thai government is flexible in operation, even if it creates regulations. However, in the case of the aforementioned explosion at a foreign-affiliated chemical plant, the authorities are serious about the fact that the Minister of Industry and the Director General in charge had promised to strengthen monitoring of the target plant and strengthen the management of hazardous chemicals in front of the media.