Thailand orders heightened vigilance after bomb scare in the south
Police found an improvised time bomb in a car being driven from Songkhla to Phuket earlier this week. (Phuket information centre pic)
BANGKOK : All Thai government agencies have been placed on high alert and urged to heighten vigilance following recent bomb threats in the southern tourist provinces of Phuket and Phang Nga.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said reports from relevant agencies suggested that the incidents were attempts to create unrest in the region.
The prime minister convened a meeting with the national police chief, the commander of the tourist police, and the permanent secretary of the tourism and sports ministry to assess the situation.
'Every precautionary measure has been implemented to ensure public safety and prevent harm. However, the government remains vigilant. The National Security Council will continue to oversee and intensify operations,' she said on social media.
Earlier this week, Thai media reported that a car travelling from Songkhla to Phuket was stopped in Phang Nga, where police found a homemade time bomb and arrested two suspects.
Suspicious devices were later found in Phuket and Krabi, including near the airport.
Though the devices caused no injuries and lacked destructive capabilities, they raised security concerns in the region.
Police bomb squads confirmed that the objects were designed to resemble explosive devices, likely intended to instil fear and disrupt normal activities.
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Malay Mail
5 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Bomb scare in Phuket and Krabi as Thai authorities foil plot to hurt tourism, arrest five suspects from Pattani
PHUKET, June 28 – Thai authorities have ramped up security in Phuket, Songkhla and Chiang Mai this week following the discovery of multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in popular tourist destinations along its Andaman coast. The Bangkok Post reported that heightened alert comes after 29-year-old suspect Muhama Wadeng admitted to planting two IEDs near a construction site on Surin Beach, prompting an extensive search by explosive ordnance teams and police. One device was located and destroyed, while efforts to find the second are ongoing. Officials said they are continuing their search to ensure the area is safe. Other explosives were found at Promthep Cape and Patong Beach, while another device hidden in a motorcycle was destroyed on Wednesday night. Motorcycles left unattended for extended periods at Phuket airport have been moved to Sakhu police station, with owners required to provide ID and registration documents to retrieve their vehicles. The security operation followed the arrest of suspects Wadeng and Sulaiman Kacha in Phangnga's Muang district on Tuesday. Both suspects are residents of Pattani province. Lt Gen Paisan Nusang, head of the 4th Army Area, said interrogations led to three more arrests in Pattani, revealing a plot masterminded by insurgent leaders based overseas. The devices were reportedly not meant to be detonated but to instil fear among residents and damage the tourism-dependent economy of Phuket, Krabi, and Phangnga. Bombs were found at Phuket airport, Surin Beach, Patong Beach, and Promthep Cape. In Krabi, devices were defused at Hat Noppharat Thara beach and inside a wooden sculpture. In Phangnga, explosives were discovered in a car near the governor's residence and on Sarasin Bridge, which connects the province to Phuket. In response to the threat, Chiang Mai airport increased patrols and issued warnings about abandoned vehicles. Songkhla also boosted security in Hat Yai and four border districts. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the incidents were aimed at undermining economic stability and fuelling political unrest.
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Thailand orders heightened vigilance after bomb scare in the south
Police found an improvised time bomb in a car being driven from Songkhla to Phuket earlier this week. (Phuket information centre pic) BANGKOK : All Thai government agencies have been placed on high alert and urged to heighten vigilance following recent bomb threats in the southern tourist provinces of Phuket and Phang Nga. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said reports from relevant agencies suggested that the incidents were attempts to create unrest in the region. The prime minister convened a meeting with the national police chief, the commander of the tourist police, and the permanent secretary of the tourism and sports ministry to assess the situation. 'Every precautionary measure has been implemented to ensure public safety and prevent harm. However, the government remains vigilant. The National Security Council will continue to oversee and intensify operations,' she said on social media. Earlier this week, Thai media reported that a car travelling from Songkhla to Phuket was stopped in Phang Nga, where police found a homemade time bomb and arrested two suspects. Suspicious devices were later found in Phuket and Krabi, including near the airport. Though the devices caused no injuries and lacked destructive capabilities, they raised security concerns in the region. Police bomb squads confirmed that the objects were designed to resemble explosive devices, likely intended to instil fear and disrupt normal activities.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Thai PM orders heightened vigilance after bomb scare in southern provinces
Pheu Thai supporters hold placards with portraits of Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra as they gather at Pheu Thai Party Headquarter to support Paetongtarn, as she battles to stay in power after drawing sharp criticism of her handling of a border row with Cambodia, in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, June 27, 2025. -- REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa BANGKOK (Bernama): Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has placed all government agencies on high alert and urged heightened vigilance following recent bomb threats in the southern tourist provinces of Phuket and Phang Nga. She said reports from relevant agencies suggest that the incidents were attempts to create unrest in the region. The Prime Minister convened a meeting with the National Police Chief, the Commander of the Tourist Police, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to assess the situation and ensure close monitoring. "I have consistently urged all sectors to investigate and closely monitor the situation. Every precautionary measure has been implemented to ensure public safety and prevent harm. "However, the government remains vigilant. The National Security Council will continue to oversee and intensify operations," she posted on X on Friday. Earlier this week, Thai media reported that a car travelling from Songkhla to Phuket was stopped in Phang Nga, where police found a homemade time bomb and arrested two suspects. Suspicious devices were later found and neutralised in Phuket and Krabi, including near the airport. Though the devices caused no injuries and lacked destructive capability, they raised security concerns in the region. Police bomb squads confirmed that the objects were designed to resemble explosive devices, likely intended to instil fear and disrupt normal activities. Paetongtarn also assured the public that all agencies are committed to resolving the matter with the highest level of diligence. "I extend my gratitude to all officials for their dedication, sacrifice, and resilience in maintaining public confidence and enabling residents to live peacefully. "To tourists planning to visit, I assure you it is safe to travel and enjoy your visit without concern," she added. - Bernama
