Police have filed charges of negligence causing death and injury, illegal modification of a building, illegal importation of fireworks and breaching the state of emergency decree against the couple who own the fireworks warehouse in Su-ngai Kolok district of Narathiwat, which exploded on July 29th.

Sompong Na Phon and Piyanut Poengveerawat surrendered to immigration police in Sadao district of Songkhla province yesterday (Saturday) and were then escorted to Muno sub-district police station in Su-ngai Kolok district.

During initial questioning in Sadao, Piyanut reportedly told the police that she used to be a sales representative, selling fireworks for a company in Hat Yai district, before her marriage to Sompong.

After the marriage, she claimed that they started a small business selling fireworks in 2014, a venture which prospered and expanded.

According to the police, the couple were travelling in Malaysia when their warehouse exploded on July 29th, killing 12 people and injuring over 100 others. About 300 houses were also damaged, including 5 which will have to be demolished.

They returned to Thailand, via the border checkpoint in Na Thavee district of Songkhla province, on July 30th and re-entered Malaysia the following day. When warrants were issued for their arrests, they decided to surrender in Sadao district on Saturday.