KOTA BARU: Thai authorities have begun cracking down on premises illegally selling firecrackers and fireworks, including those located in Sungai Golok town on the Malaysia border.
In their latest operation yesterday, Thai authorities nabbed two of their citizens and seized a large quantity of fireworks during separate raids in the border town.
The 10.50am (Thai time) operation was launched under the directive of Sungai Golok district chief Supiyan Damaeleng, who also serves as director of the Sungai Golok District Operations Centre and commander of the 6th Company of the Territorial Defence Volunteers.
The raid was led by district officer (security) Phimon Jongrak together with district officer (prevention) Charan Khuncharoen, involving members of the Territorial Defence Volunteers from the 6th Company.
A Thai security spokesman said the operation was carried out in line with urgent government policy to regulate the border town and prevent potential dangers from illegal explosives and fireworks, which could pose risks of fires and cause serious damage to lives and property.
“During the crackdown, the authorities arrested a 46-year-old woman at a grocery shop in Asia 18 Road.
“They seized several gunny sacks containing ball firecrackers and 171 pieces of fireworks of various brands hidden in the shop for sale.
“In a separate raid, they detained a 27-year-old man at another shop in the same area where they found four sacks containing ball firecrackers,” he added.
The spokesman said the suspects and the seized items were later handed over to Sungai Golok police station for further legal action.
“Both suspects were charged with selling fireworks, flares and firecrackers without permission,” he said.
The spokesman said Thai authorities believed the firecrackers and fireworks were intended to be sold to locals as well as Malaysians travelling to the sub-province.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd