Thailand Foils Terror Plot in Phuket
Thai authorities have successfully thwarted a bomb plot in Phuket and Krabi. Specifically, police destroyed multiple explosive devices in popular tourist spots.
In particular, suspects concealed one bomb in an abandoned motorcycle outside Phuket International Airport. Meanwhile, they buried another under sand on Patong Beach.
Moreover, bomb squads neutralized more bombs near Promthep Cape and the Noppharat Thaara Beach area in Krabi. Overall, these locations frequently attract crowds of international tourists.
Consequently, bomb squads continue performing area sweeps in both provinces, effectively putting both under high alert.
Three Suspects Arrested
Police arrested three men suspected of planting the devices in Phuket and Krabi. In particular, they caught two in Phang Nga, and one in Narathiwat.
All three suspects are from Thailand’s southern provinces and confessed to placing four bombs. Reportedly, their goal was to create fear and panic.
According to police, one of the devices was a explosive with a timer with the intention of detonation at a crowded public site.
“Based on current evidence, none of the suspicious items found so far are explosive or destructive,” confirmed Phuket governor Sophon Suwannarat.
“Forensic police are conducting further verification, but initial findings suggest these were meant to create panic rather than cause harm,” he added.
Police Defuse Explosives in Phuket
Fortunately, no injuries or property damage occurred. Moreover, bomb disposal units used high-pressure water cannons to disable the devices.
Furthermore, authorities evacuated areas near Phuket and Krabi quickly and efficiently. Overall, this rapid response helped avoid civilian panic.
The Thai Defense Ministry reported that the bombs were functional, with at least one capable of detonating via timer.
In the past month, 12 explosive-related incidents have occurred in southern Thailand. However, this is the first targeting top-tier tourist zones.
Defense Ministry Urges Caution
In response, the Thai government has increased security at airports, beaches, and shopping areas in Phuket and Krabi. In addition, they’ve deployed additional patrols at ferry terminals and resorts.
Furthermore, the government has asked citizens and tourists to stay vigilant. In addition, they’ve set up emergency hotlines for reporting suspicious items.
Consequently, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra condemned the attempted attack. Meanwhile, the Phuket governor reassured tourists that there is no ongoing danger, though safety protocols will remain strict.
As a result, international embassies in Thailand, including Australia and Canada, have updated travel advisories. They urge tourists to follow local guidance.
Ongoing Forensic Investigation
Though authorities have not confirmed a direct link to foreign targets, police are not ruling out international connections.
Additionally, investigators are currently examining phone records, surveillance footage, and forensics from the devices in Phuket and Krabi.
Overall, the incident has renewed concerns about Thailand’s long-standing insurgency in its southernmost provinces. In particular, tourism officials worry the event could impact the high season, with Phuket receiving over 10 million international visitors annually.
Nevertheless, officials stress that Thailand remains safe for tourism with additional preventive measures now in place.
Current Efforts in Phuket
For now, authorities continue to patrol and inspect high-traffic areas in Phuket, Krabi, and surrounding provinces.
Meanwhile, additional arrests may follow, depending on evidence from the ongoing investigation.
Hartmann Linge, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
