Explosion at Tak Festival Leaves 3 Dead, 39 Injured

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

During the annual “Amazing Umphang” fair in Tak province a grenade exploded near the main stage, turning a night of celebration into chaos. The incident occurred around 23:30 on December 13, as locals and visitors gathered to enjoy a traditional dance performance at the event’s dance stage.

The explosion left three people dead and 39 others injured, including four critically wounded. Emergency responders rushed to the scene to provide life-saving assistance, transporting the injured to Umphang Hospital, which quickly became overwhelmed with patients.

 

According to authorities, the grenade was thrown by an unidentified assailant toward the crowded stage area. Witnesses described scenes of panic as attendees scrambled to flee, with dust and debris clouding the air. A crater from the explosion was found near the stage, surrounded by blood and personal belongings left behind in the chaos.

 

Some victims required urgent surgery, and one critically injured person was transferred to Mae Sot Hospital for specialised care. Those with minor injuries were treated and released.

 

The explosion disrupted the festivities of the annual charity fair, known as a highlight of the community calendar, which was being held between December 8 and 14. The event had drawn large crowds to its various attractions, including the retro dance stage, which was a focal point of the night.

 

Initial investigations revealed that the explosive used was likely a grenade designed for lethal impact. The motive and identity of the assailant remain unknown, and authorities have yet to determine whether the attack was a targeted act or a random act of violence. Police have sealed off the area and are working with forensic teams to collect evidence.

 

Local residents expressed shock and sorrow over the tragic incident, which has shaken the usually peaceful community of Umphang. Authorities have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore a sense of security in the area.

 

“This was supposed to be a joyful occasion celebrating our local culture and traditions,” a local official said. “Instead, it has turned into a heartbreaking tragedy for our community. We will do everything in our power to support the victims and their families.”

-- 2024-12-14

 

 

[flyingtlger]

8 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

authorities have yet to determine whether the attack was a targeted act or a random act of violence

That's a big discrepancy.....

[RichardColeman]

I'm all for live beheading on tv for this person

[newbee2022]

2 hours ago, flyingtlger said:

That's a big discrepancy.....

No difference of course for the fatalities. 

However, what's going on in someone throwing a grenade into a  peaceful enjoying crowd?

Why?

I hope we will be informed about the background of this horrible incident.

[parallelman]

Sounds like a deep hate. vengence type of crime. Looking at the AN Newsletter list; Woman stabbed to death...Thai man kills stepbrother...Son-in law shoots mother in law; How often is it said on this forum that Thai guys have short tempers. My codolences to the families and hope the injured recover.

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Two Teens Arrested for Bomb Attack at Tak Fair, Killing 3 & Injuring Dozens

 

Picture from responders.

 

Authorities have arrested two teenage suspects in connection with a grenade attack at the fair in Umphang District, Tak Province. The attack, which occurred late night on December 13, during a dance event, left three people dead and 56 others injured, six of whom are in critical condition.

 

Following the incident, rescue teams from Umphang Hospital and volunteers from various organisations were quickly dispatched to the scene to assist the victims.

 

Pol. Maj. Gen. Sumrit Amkamon, Commander of Tak Provincial Police, visited the site with forensic investigators to collect evidence. The explosion occurred near the front of the dance stage, leaving a large crater and fragments of the explosive device scattered in the area.

 

At Umphang Police Station, officers and related officials held a meeting to coordinate efforts to resolve the case.

 

According to Mr. Manoch Phoniam, the Umphang District Chief, the fair is an annual event held from December 8 to 14. On the night of the explosion, a large crowd attended the dance, which had significant security presence. However, the assailant, believed to be at least one male suspect, managed to throw a grenade in front of the stage, causing chaos and injuries.

 

Police have detained on December 14, two Karen teenagers, aged 16 and 17, for questioning. One suspect, believed to be a soldier, has confessed to the crime, while the other denies involvement. Investigators are awaiting eyewitness testimonies to proceed with legal action against the second suspect.

 

The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to ensure justice for the victims and maintain public safety.

 

-- 2024-12-15

 

 

[watchcat]

17 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

However, what's going on in someone throwing a grenade into a  peaceful enjoying crowd?

Why?

 

He  wasn't invited to the party?

[newbee2022]

2 hours ago, watchcat said:

 

He  wasn't invited to the party?

It's that what do you in your neighborhood if you're not invited to a party ??😵‍💫🥴😱

[watchcat]

13 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

It's that what do you in your neighborhood if you're not invited to a party ??😵‍💫🥴😱

 

I didn't say that.

[newbee2022]

40 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

I didn't say that.

Haha, better you wouldn't be my neighbor. 😱

[hotchilli]

On 12/14/2024 at 8:02 PM, Georgealbert said:

Police have detained on December 14, two Karen teenagers, aged 16 and 17, for questioning. One suspect, believed to be a soldier, has confessed to the crime, while the other denies involvement. Investigators are awaiting eyewitness testimonies to proceed with legal action against the second suspect.

The question remains.... why?

[Srikcir]

On 12/14/2024 at 8:02 PM, Georgealbert said:

Karen teenagers

"Karen" likely refers to a stateless indigenous people living in Thailand. For example:

 

"The Black Forest: Karen People's Fight for Indigenous Rights in Thailand," by Yostorn Triyos August 7, 2023 -      earthjournalism.net

 

- "The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) announcement No.64/2557, better known as the Forest Reclamation Policy, led to regulations to stop encroachment on forest resources in Thailand.

- Enforcement resulted in more than 46,000 villagers in the country being arrested and sued. Most were villagers who lived on, or had land plots that overlapped with, forest preserve areas in various ways.

- As national parks adopted specific laws and imposed severe penalties, a shockingly large number of people were prosecuted, many going to jail. Many others lost their ancestral lands. In some cases, families were left bankrupt, the assets accumulated over a lifetime exhausted. Others lost family members."

 

Historically, the stateless (having no citizenship) Karen people have not been well treated in Thailand. Hence, a younger generation of "soldiers." 

[thesetat]

On 12/14/2024 at 3:32 PM, parallelman said:

Sounds like a deep hate. vengence type of crime. Looking at the AN Newsletter list; Woman stabbed to death...Thai man kills stepbrother...Son-in law shoots mother in law; How often is it said on this forum that Thai guys have short tempers. My codolences to the families and hope the injured recover.

I would tend to agree with you. Although news outlets usually push the worst news to the front especially violent crimes it seems there are more killings and violent acts now compared to previously. Are the younger Thais now getting older and more brazen? When will Thailand step up and take the blame for how kids are taught not to be responsible for their actions? These types of acts will continue to increase in the future. 

[steven100]

well ,   if these two were the culprits then good work by the rtp to apprehend them so quickly,  or are they just being used as scape goats.  

The problem here is that you can't believe anything.  

[Scouse123]

58 minutes ago, steven100 said:

well ,   if these two were the culprits then good work by the rtp to apprehend them so quickly,  or are they just being used as scape goats.  

The problem here is that you can't believe anything.  

 

It is indeed a problem as we never know the truth or the real story when police are so quick to apprehend.

 

We know about the Police methods used here to get confessions.

[Scouse123]

Another thing Thailand needs to address is treating major incidents like this differently because the culprits are under 18 years of age.

 

The law needs updating, and in crimes such as this, they need to be charged as adults.

 

Two important areas need looking at, not related to this case, and that is where they are getting off lightly because of their age, or using the old excuse ' My Daddy is a policeman ' when charges will be reduced or buried, depending on Daddy's rank.

[Scouse123]

On 12/15/2024 at 5:14 AM, watchcat said:

 

He  wasn't invited to the party?

 

A bit too serious for humour.

 

3 dead and 56 injured, six critically.

[watchcat]

36 minutes ago, Scouse123 said:

 

A bit too serious for humour.

 

3 dead and 56 injured, six critically.

 

What I meant was there must be a reaon