An illegal fireworks factory exploded killing nine people and injuring five others in Thailand this morning.

The blast ripped through the property in Suphanburi province, around 70 miles north of the capital Bangkok, at 11am local time.

Police found bodies of residents who had been working in the property scattered among the debris. Six were buried in rubble while three others that were thrown by the force were in a nearby field.

Several other injured victims were rushed to hospital.

Footage from the scene showed how the roof of the single-story structure had been blown off by the force of the blast. Metal roof beams were scattered across the field.

Officials said the warehouse was operating without a license.

Piriya Chantadilok, Governor of Suphanburi province, said: 'The factory was producing fireworks to be smuggled and sold illegally.'

Resident, Somphong Boonket, 58, said that he was chopping vegetables when he heard the explosion, which caused him to be lifted off the ground and the door to break.

He said: 'I was terrified when I heard the loud noise, which I knew did not come from inside my room.

I don't know how long the property was being used to make illegal fireworks, but I hope people will stop doing it near homes.'

Assistant village headman Ekkarat Seubruang said that officials had issued warnings to the group two years ago, with the latest warning given last week, but they refused to listen.

He said: 'The people residing in both houses were relatives and had possibly been producing fireworks for two to three years.

'These fireworks were normally used to scare away birds, but could also be used in festivities such as the New Year, Chinese New Year, and the Loy Krathong festival.'

Illegal fireworks factory explosions have been a recurring and issue in Thailand for several decades due to the poor enforcement of safety regulations, unlicensed operations, and a lack of oversight in rural areas.

In Narathiwat province in 2023, an explosion at an illegal fireworks warehouse killed at least 12 people, injured more than 120 others, and destroyed more than 200 homes and buildings.