(ANN/THE NATION) – Thailand appears powerless to prevent a recurring nightmare, exemplified by the recent fatal explosion at a fireworks factory in Suphanburi province.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday at 3.30 pm, claimed the lives of 21 workers and left seven seriously injured in Ban Khoi Ngam, Muang district.
Conflicting reports on the casualty count persist, with rescue officials grappling to identify victims, citing extensive damage that scattered body parts up to 50 metres away and in nearby rice fields.
Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin revealed on Thursday that stored gunpowder ignited the explosion, exacerbated by potassium chlorate on-site.
This tragic déjà vu marks at least the 24th fireworks-related incident in Thailand over the past 16 years.
As many as six explosions occurred in 2008, followed by three in 2009, two in 2010, five in 2011 and 2012 as well as three in 2023, according to Thai Division of Injury Prevention (DIP).
These incidents took the lives of at least 24 people and injured 182, with several houses also destroyed.
The accidents mostly occur in factories despite the several regulations imposed to prevent explosions. These include the 1999 Safety Protection Measures in Factory Operation (No.3), and the 2009 Fire Protection and Settlement in Factory edicts.
The Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks and Imitation Firearms Act (1947) stipulates that anyone who does not have permission from an authorised body is not permitted to manufacture, import, or sell pyrotechnics.
Authorities are allowed to order the relocation of a site that was used to manufacture, store, or sell explosives if they believe that they pose a risk to public safety, the law said.
Following the deadly Suphanburi explosion, DIP released recommendations to prevent future explosions. These included avoiding storing fireworks in heated areas and residential areas, being prepared to put out a fire, avoiding smoking within areas, and not modifying pyrotechnics.
The dean of King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang’s College of Materials Innovation and Technology, Wipoo Sriseubsa, told the media recently that another factor contributing to explosions is a plant owner’s ignorance of the need to regularly check their facilities.
Wipoo cited instances such as smoking within factory areas or not reviewing the wiring.
