Picture courtesy of Amarin

A fireworks factory explosion near a temple in Suphan Buri province killed at least one person on Friday morning, prompting an urgent emergency response and the cordoning off of the area due to continuing blasts. The explosion occurred at 07:52 on 30 January 2026 near Wat Dong Kracho in Ban Dong Kracho, Moo 6, Rai Rot sub-district, Don Chedi district. The blast was heard widely and rescue teams were dispatched immediately to assess the situation and secure the scene.

Initial reports confirmed one fatality at the site, which was identified as a small, single-storey facility used for manufacturing fireworks. Authorities said the factory had previously been operating with official permission, but its licence had expired one week earlier. The operator was in the process of applying for a renewal when the explosion occurred.

Local officials including the Don Chedi district chief and the Don Chedi police superintendent travelled to the scene alongside rescue workers from the Samerkan Suphan Buri Rescue Foundation and the Nen Kaew Highway Rescue Association. Emergency personnel established a safety perimeter to prevent unauthorised access, citing ongoing explosions and the risk of further detonations. The immediate priority was to stabilise the area and ensure the safety of nearby residents.

The explosion took place close to a temple, raising concerns among local communities about safety standards and the proximity of fireworks production to residential and religious sites. Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of injuries, stating that verification was ongoing as conditions at the site remained hazardous. The cause of the explosion has not been determined.

Officials said an investigation would examine the circumstances surrounding the expired licence and the safety procedures in place at the factory. The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of small-scale fireworks operations, particularly those located near populated areas. Local authorities emphasised that all findings would be reported once the site was fully secured.

Amarin reported that further updates are expected as investigators complete their inspection and confirm casualty figures. Officials said additional information would be released once it is safe for forensic teams to conduct a full examination of the scene.

Key Takeaways

• A fireworks factory explosion near Wat Dong Kracho in Suphan Buri killed one person on 30 January 2026.

• The factory’s operating licence had expired one week earlier and was awaiting renewal at the time of the blast.

• Authorities sealed off the area due to ongoing explosions and launched an investigation into the cause.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Amarin 2026-01-30

 

 

UPDATE

One Killed, Three Injured in Suphan Buri Fireworks Blast

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

A fireworks assembly factory in Don Chedi district, Suphan Buri province, exploded on the morning of 30 January 2026, killing one long-serving worker and leaving three others seriously injured. The blast destroyed the entire factory building and prompted authorities to immediately declare the surrounding area a restricted danger zone.

Police from Don Chedi station received reports of the explosion at around 7.50am at a fireworks factory located at 77/1 Ban Dong Kracheo, Moo 6, Rai Rot subdistrict. Senior local officials, an EOD unit and rescue teams from Semokan Rescue Foundation and Nern Kaew Highway Rescue Association rushed to the scene to assess the damage and assist victims.

The deceased was identified as Mr Sanae Thongsri, aged 58, a veteran fireworks worker with approximately 30 years of experience. His body was torn apart by the force of the blast, with human remains scattered across the site, according to officials at the scene.

Three male workers were injured and taken to Don Chedi Hospital for emergency treatment. They were named as Mr Chaiya Kaewboondee, 38, who suffered a head laceration; Mr Wiroj Ploenphloen, 58, who sustained a laceration to the neck; and Mr Amnat Phophan, 49, who also suffered a head injury.

The factory was legally registered as a fireworks assembly site operating under the name Thongchai Dongmai. However, an inspection found that its operating licence had expired on 26 January 2026, just four days before the explosion occurred.

The licence holder and factory owner was identified as Mr Thongchai Buathong, aged 56. Authorities confirmed that the facility had not been legally permitted to operate at the time of the incident due to the expired licence.

Suphan Buri governor Natthaphong Sanguanchit, deputy governor Kolwatchara Trapsongsuk, provincial police commander Pol Maj Gen Watcharin Prasopdee, and deputy provincial administrative organisation president Nitthat Lee-areekul jointly inspected the site later the same day. The governor ordered the area sealed off as a hazardous zone, strictly barring unauthorised access.

Explosive ordnance disposal officers and forensic teams have been tasked with collecting evidence to determine the exact cause of the blast. Investigators are examining whether safety procedures, materials, or licensing issues contributed to the explosion.

Amarin reported that authorities have not yet announced whether charges will be filed, but further legal action may follow once the investigation is completed. The injured workers remain under medical supervision as officials continue to assess the broader safety implications for fireworks factories in the area.

Key Takeaways

• A fireworks factory explosion in Don Chedi, Suphan Buri, killed one worker and injured three others on 30 January 2026.

• The factory’s operating licence had expired four days before the blast, according to officials.

• Authorities have sealed the site and launched a forensic and EOD investigation into the cause.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Amarin 2026-01-30

 

 

This happens maybe 2-4 times per year. When will they set rules and beef up safety?

I know! Answer: Never!

19 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

When will they set rules and beef up safety?

There's no doubt rules already (eg expired licence) but not enforced except post hoc.

Black powder is very sensitive to friction and sparks. It a regulated environment the amount of BP on site is limited to avoid mass explosion and frangible structure to avoid contaiment of an explosion is mandated. They got the last one right.

9 hours ago, mfd101 said:

There's no doubt rules already (eg expired licence) but not enforced except post hoc.

So easy for us to be wise after the event

Very sad for all involved

RIP

On 1/30/2026 at 12:44 PM, Gottfrid said:

This happens maybe 2-4 times per year. When will they set rules and beef up safety?

I know! Answer: Never!

usually near grannys house and plenty more