Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha travelled to the southernmost province of Narathiwat on Friday, to follow up on the assistance being given to those affected by the deadly explosion at a firework warehouse in Sungai Kolok district last Saturday.

Twelve people were killed and many others injured when tonnes of pyrotechnics being stored in the warehouse detonated on July 30^th. The blast swept through residences and Manu market, causing extensive damage and many injuries.

Authorities have tightened security in the area for Prayut’s visit. Motorcyclists are being stopped and their motorcycles searched for explosives and weapons.

The prime minister and his team arrived on a Royal Air Force Airbus ACJ320, before proceeding to a command centre, where he met with people affected by the blast.

He confirmed that the government has already allocated immediate funding to help people recover from the accident and he will seek an additional budget.

Prayut also offered moral support to officials dealing with the aftermath and thanked them for their hard work in helping the people affected.

He expressed his condolences to families of the victims and sympathy for those injured. He said their Majesties the King and Queen have taken those wounded under their patronage.

He asked the local authorities to help in the reconstruction of houses, so that people can return to their normal lives as soon as possible.