ANG THONG, THAILAND – A traditional funeral ceremony at a local temple ended in tragedy when a 66-year-old man was seriously injured by a firework explosion.
Firework blast during temple funeral
The accident occurred in the late afternoon on the grounds of Wat Ngiew Rai temple in Ang Thong. Somyot Sabaiprae, 66, was preparing fireworks for the funeral rites when one of the devices exploded. Witnesses reported that the detonation was heard throughout the village, prompting bystanders to rush to his aid and call emergency services.
Serious arm and shoulder injuries
Rescue workers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation arrived within minutes of the emergency call. According to Nattapol Boonprasop, the man suffered severe injuries to his right upper arm and shoulder area. First responders treated him behind the temple crematorium with emergency bandages and stabilised him for transport to hospital.
Possible technical defect in firework
Initial statements from the injured man indicated a possible technical defect. The firework had failed to ignite as intended, leading Somyot to check the device. As he examined the firecracker, it detonated unexpectedly at close range, with the blast hitting his upper body.
Hospital treatment and serious condition
The victim was taken immediately to Pho Thong Hospital for further treatment. Medical staff conducted the necessary examinations and continued his care. Doctors classified his condition as serious and planned additional medical procedures to treat the injuries and ensure the best possible care.
Longstanding funeral fireworks tradition
Fireworks are a centuries-old tradition at Thai funerals. According to Buddhist belief, they are meant to drive away evil spirits and illuminate the soul’s path to the afterlife, a practice still widespread in rural regions. However, accidents occur regularly due to uncertified fireworks that, experts warn, often do not meet safety standards and reach the market without proper quality checks.
Police secure evidence and examine device
Officers from the Rammasak police station launched an investigation and secured evidence at the scene. The exploded firework was being examined by specialists to determine its origin and condition. Authorities were checking whether it was an approved product and whether all required safety markings were present, with possible legal action against manufacturers or sellers depending on the findings.
Shock for grieving family and community
The family, gathered to bid farewell to a deceased relative, now faced additional emotional strain. The funeral ceremony had to be interrupted as relatives turned their attention to the injured Somyot. The local community expressed its concern, with many residents who knew the family personally offering support, while the temple announced prayers for his swift recovery.
Calls for stricter safety and training
Safety experts stressed the need for strict precautions when handling fireworks, including the exclusive use of certified products with safety seals and maintaining sufficient distance. They also warned that suspected duds should never be checked manually and that firefighting equipment should always be available at the site. Various non-governmental organisations advocated more public education, mandatory safety training for those handling fireworks at religious ceremonies, and tighter controls on the sale of such products.
Balancing cultural practice and modern safety
The incident renewed questions about how to balance cultural traditions with modern safety standards. Fireworks remain an important element of religious ceremonies for many Thais, closely linked to their cultural identity. At the same time, more voices have called for stricter regulations, with some temples voluntarily adopting safety guidelines, working with trained pyrotechnicians or turning to lower-risk alternatives such as candles or LED lights.
Ongoing debate over future rules
The debate over appropriate safety measures was expected to continue. Discussions focused on finding an approach that respects long-standing traditions while ensuring the safety of all participants at religious events.