BANGKOK – A powerful explosion involving a black Mitsubishi Triton packed with fireworks hit the Khao Ngu intersection in Ratchaburi’s Muang district. The blast caused heavy damage to nearby buildings, vehicles, and businesses.
Two men suffered injuries, and concerns have been raised over the safety of moving hazardous goods through crowded areas. Officials are piecing together what set off the fire, fuelling worries about Thailand’s long history of fireworks accidents.
According to police, a black Mitsubishi Triton with licence plate BTH-394 Chai Nat caught fire while making its way through Khao Ngu intersection, which sits along the busy Phetchakasem Road.
Witnesses reported that flames quickly took over the truck, and then a string of explosions followed as the fireworks inside were set off by the fire. The force broke windows, tore open doors, and damaged more than ten parked cars.
The home of Sudakara Rattanakorn, aged 60, was badly damaged, with the ceiling coming down and many personal items ruined, leaving residents to face a tough recovery.
Firefighters were on the scene quickly and fought the blaze for more than ten minutes before bringing it under control. Images from the Pathom Boromarajanusorn Ratchaburi Foundation showed the scene engulfed in flames, with thick smoke billowing overhead.
The pickup was left in ruins, just a burnt shell among scattered debris, making rescue work and the clean-up much harder.
Both injured men were taken to Bangkok Hospital Ratchaburi, where their injuries were judged to be not life-threatening. Even so, the incident caused lasting shock among those close by.
Police Lieutenant Jareonya Puriso responded to the initial emergency call and confirmed that forensic teams are hard at work to find what started the fire. Early reports suggest that friction inside the truck may have lit the fireworks, setting off the chain of explosions.
Police have not yet shared many details as they wait for the forensic report, but they have highlighted the need for safer rules when transporting dangerous goods like fireworks.
Police Lieutenant Jareonya Puriso said their priority is to confirm exactly what sparked the fire, noting friction among the cargo as one possible reason. Officers have sealed off the area so experts can study the wreckage.
They have also asked people in the area to share information or video that could help the investigation.
The authorities are looking at whether the Mitsubishi Triton followed all safety guidelines, since the truck was reportedly moving leftover fireworks at the time. Ratchaburi police have not said if the driver or owner will be charged, but stressed that those responsible will be held accountable.
Fireworks Disasters Continue Across Thailand
Thailand’s record with fireworks safety has long drawn criticism. In July 2025, a blast at a fireworks factory in Suphan Buri killed nine workers and left two critically hurt. That explosion flattened the factory, and police could not figure out what started it right away.
Back in January 2024, a similar explosion at another site in Suphan Buri claimed at least 22 lives and left about 10 people missing. That facility doubled as a farmhouse and stored gunpowder and fireworks with little oversight. Incredibly, the same site was linked to a fatal blast in November 2022, showing repeated problems with poor enforcement.
In July 2023, a fireworks warehouse explosion in Narathiwat province took 11 lives, injured 389, and destroyed nearly 100 homes within 500 metres. Sparks from nearby construction work reportedly set off that blast.
Environmental expert Sonthi Kotchawat pointed out that many illegal fireworks factories and storage areas ignore safety measures, such as buffer zones to separate communities from danger.
Over the last 15 years, Thailand has seen 24 explosions in fireworks factories and storage buildings, with heavy casualties and property loss each time. These tragedies often lead to promises of tougher rules and better enforcement, but illegal operators still pose a constant threat.
Residents in Ratchaburi are calling for stronger action. Sudakara Rattanakorn, whose home was badly damaged, spoke for many when she said people had suffered enough and something had to change. Local shopkeepers, also affected by the blast, echoed her thoughts and demanded closer checks on how fireworks and similar materials are handled.
After this explosion, Thailand’s rules on fireworks handling and transport are under renewed examination. Specialists say stronger cooperation between government departments is needed to close safety gaps.
Suggestions include strict vehicle checks, better licensing for storage, and new public safety campaigns to warn people of the dangers.
As the investigation moves ahead in Ratchaburi, officials face rising pressure to offer answers and take real steps to prevent more disasters.
Right now, the focus remains on helping the community rebuild and move forward from a tragedy that should never have happened. The event makes it clear how important it is to set and follow proper safety rules for fireworks nationwide.
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