Authorities involved are investigating the cause of the fireworks factory explosion in Suphanburi. They suspect an error during the gunpowder mixing process may have caused sparks leading to the loud blast. The factory's license had just expired. The owner expressed sorrow, noting the deceased had over 30 years of skilled experience and affirmed that all regulations were strictly followed.
At around 08:00 on 30 Jan 2026, Police Lieutenant Colonel Sukon Songsakul, an investigator at Don Chedi Police Station, received a report of a fireworks explosion at Thongchai Fireworks Factory, No. 71/1, Village 6, Rai Rot Subdistrict, Don Chedi District, Suphanburi Province. There were casualties and injuries. He, along with Suphanburi Governor Natthaphong Sanguanjit, Police Major General Watcharin Prasopdee, the Suphanburi Disaster Prevention and Mitigation office, an EOD team, municipal fire trucks, Samekan Foundation, and the Nern Kaeo Association, rushed to the scene.
The site is a factory with warning signs and a bunker pit for storing gunpowder. The explosion occurred in a single-story wooden house used for mixing gunpowder, which was heavily damaged. Firefighters sprayed water to cool and prevent further ignition. Relatives of the deceased were crying nearby. Rescue workers reported the first injured was taken to hospital by relatives; another injured person was transported by rescue workers with abrasions from falling while fleeing. One person died, identified as Mr. Sane Thongsrilad, 58, whose body was scattered beside the fireworks production building.
The three injured had been sent to the hospital earlier. Their names are Mr. Chaiya Kaewboondee, 38, from House No. 466, Village 2, Sanam Klee Subdistrict, Mueang District (head laceration); Mr. Wirot Ployloen, 58, from House No. 78/1, Village 11, Tha Chai Subdistrict, Sri Satchanalai District, Sukhothai Province (neck laceration); and Mr. Amnat Phophan, 49, from House No. 39/1, Village 5, Rai Rot Subdistrict, Don Chedi District, Suphanburi Province (head laceration).
Mr. Thongchai Buathong, 56, the owner of the fireworks factory, said the factory had proper permits but the license expired on 26 Jan. They had already applied for renewal and were awaiting approval when the incident occurred. He said he produces decorative fireworks and normally employs 6-7 workers. On this day, the deceased arrived around 7 a.m., with two other workers arriving to start work. He suspects an error in the gunpowder mixing caused the explosion. The deceased had worked in gunpowder mixing for over 30 years since the factory was established. He expressed deep sorrow and did not expect the accident as they strictly followed regulations.
Officials inspecting the site found that the mixing machine was an old meter model. It's possible that during mixing, a spark occurred causing the ignition. The exact cause will require further detailed investigation by forensic experts.