4-8-2023 (BANGKOK) Two owners of a fireworks warehouse that exploded in Narathiwat recently have been found to be hiding out in Malaysia, according to police who confirmed the news on Thursday. The couple, identified as Sompong Nakul and Piyanuch Peungwirawat, have allegedly been connected to influential figures in the southern Thai province, as per reports.
Police Chief Pol Maj Gen Anurut Im-arb informed the media that the couple has not contacted officers to turn themselves in, despite being summoned in relation to the explosion at their warehouse on July 29 in tambon Muno. The explosion resulted in the death of 12 people, injured 121 and damaged 292 houses.
Sources have revealed that the couple has the backing of local politicians whose business involves smuggling fireworks, cigarettes, liquor, narcotics and workers. In 2016, they were arrested for storing and selling 60 tonnes of fireworks and other flammable materials without a permit. However, the prosecutor did not file the case with the provincial court.
High-profile activist Achariya Ruengrattanapong has requested an investigation into Laem Chabang Port Customs Office, the Royal Thai Paramilitary Force in Muno sub-district, and officials from the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) and 4th Army Region. He said bringing fireworks into Narathiwat, a province governed by an emergency decree and Internal Security Act, would require approval from the Isoc. It remains unclear whether bribes were involved.
National police chief Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas has acknowledged Mr Achariya’s letter and said officers are investigating the previous arrest of the factory’s owners in 2016 to see if they had a legitimate license to transport fireworks into the area.
Governor Sanan Pongaksorn of Narathiwat said that most of the injured victims have returned home from the shelter as they were concerned about their property. He said boxes of donations have been installed in front of the survivors’ houses after some donors complained they were skeptical about donations made via less than transparent public agencies.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is expected to visit the site on Friday to assess the situation.
