Move Forward MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn said he will question the interior minister, the national police chief, the commander of the Fourth Army Region and the director-general of Provincial Administration Department about how a fireworks warehouse was allowed in the middle of a crowded community in Su-ngai Kolok district of Narathiwat province.
In his Facebook post today (Tuesday), regarding last week’s explosion at a warehouse storing fireworks and other pyrotechnic materials in Muno sub-district, the outspoken MP said he wonders how the warehouse could be allowed to operate in such a place without the knowledge of the police or army, who are supposed to enforce the law and order in the restive province.
He said that, not only the owner of the warehouse, but also law enforcement officials must be held accountable. He also suggested that some officials may have taken bribes to turn a blind eye to the warehouse and other thriving but illegal businesses in the southern provinces, such as human trafficking, goods smuggling and the illicit drug trade.
Wiroj said he will submit a motion to the House on Thursday seeking explanations.
12 people were killed and over 100 were injured in the explosion and subsequent fire. More than 300 houses in the vicinity of the warehouse also sustained damage.
Police and army troops also seized one ton of fireworks from nearby shops, owned by the same person as the warehouse.
