Police probe explosion in farmer's house

The stored chemical exploded on Wednesday, injuring seven people and very likely killing two others.
Payom Nantasarn and Somjai Yajai have been missing since the blast and are feared dead, given that police found large chunks of human flesh at their house.
As many as 24 houses in the area were damaged from the explosion, which could be heard 10 kilometres away.
Song Pengjai, a neighbour, said the blast was so loud that his ears are still ringing.
“I also saw thick smoke coming from that house,” he said. Song got away with no injuries, but at least seven other neighbours, including a toddler and two 95-year-olds sustained injuries.
Several vehicles in the neighbourhood were also damaged. The total damage has been estimated at well over Bt3 million.
According to initial investigation, Payom and Somjai were found to have bought 500kg of potassium chlorate for their longan plantation.
Police Captain Saharat Meechamnarn, a deputy inspector for bomb-disposal operations, said potassium chlorate was not inflammable. “But maybe the locals mixed it with sulphur, which may trigger an explosion when exposed to heat or friction,” he explained.

In the wake of this tragic incident, Maj-General Sarayut Rangsee, chief of the 33rd Military Circle, visited the victims and their families to offer moral support.