A massive fire at a tissue factory left eight people dead and two missing in Thailand.

The inferno broke out at the River Pulp and Paper Co., plant in Saraburi at around 12 noon on Monday, June 30.

It rapidly grew out of control as it ate through stocks of flammable tissue paper in the facility.

Footage shows locals fleeing as the raging flames ripped through the factory, sending a thick, dark smoke plume into the sky.

More than 50 firefighters and water tankers were scrambled to the scene, where around 10 workers were believed to still be trapped in the upper floors.

Fire crews fought for hours to bring the blaze under control as the factory's upper floors collapsed, hampering rescue efforts.

One female employee was reported to have leapt off the third floor in a desperate attempt to escape. She survived but suffered serious leg injuries.

Fire and Rescue Thailand said the fire was under control by 9:35 pm local time. Eight charred bodies were found in the carnage as officers searched for two more missing people. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released and are pending forensic examination.

Saraburi Governor Banchat Chawarin said: 'The situation is grave. We are prioritising the safety of our personnel and the urgent need to locate the missing workers.'

Authorities said 26 people were injured, including four in critical condition. A makeshift triage centre was set up near the factory to treat the wounded before they were rushed to local hospitals.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Officials believe it may have started in an office area of the factory.