Terrified residents fled as ammonia gas leaked from an ice factory in Thailand.

Locals evacuated their homes after toxic fumes erupted from the facility in the middle of crowded tourist town Pattaya on Sunday evening.

They reported a chemical stench that burned their noses and throats as the industrial refrigerant covered a 100-metre (330 feet) radius.

Firefighters arrived at the Marine Fresher Ice Factory and cleared nearby homes at 10 pm local time.

Footage showed the officers wearing gas masks as they used high-powered hoses to disperse the gas.

Factory employees then shut off the leaking ammonia tank valve but the smell continued to linger for hours.

A fire department spokesman said: 'Firemen continued to spray water in the area. Residents were allowed to return to their homes only after the odour faded.'

A villager said: 'We live nearby and often catch a whiff of ammonia from the factory. But this time, the smell was so strong it burned our noses. Someone notified the authorities, and we were all evacuated from the area. We hope they continue inspecting the factory for the safety of those who live here.'

Officials said no one was harmed from the ammonia leak, adding a probe was launched to find its cause.

Ammonia is widely used in industrial refrigeration systems, fertiliser production, and chemical manufacturing.

However, it can cause severe irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, in high concentrations, and can be life-threatening if too much is inhaled.