Crime Bomb Scare at Phuket Airport as Suspect Device Found in Motorcycle

[Georgealbert]

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

A major security alert was triggered at Phuket International Airport on the afternoon of 25 June, after authorities discovered a motorcycle suspected of concealing an explosive device in the domestic terminal car park.

 

The alarm was raised around 16:10, when police received intelligence suggesting that one of three motorcycles potentially containing explosives had been abandoned at the airport. The vehicle was found approximately 200 metres from the passenger terminal building.

 

A rapid, coordinated response was launched involving senior officials including Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, Commander of Phuket Provincial Police, and Mr Montchai Tahanod, Director of Phuket Airport. Officers from Sakhu Police Station, bomb disposal experts (EOD), K-9 units, airport security staff and emergency services moved swiftly to cordon off the area and implement the airport’s bomb threat contingency plan.

 

Mr Montchai, the Airport Director, confirmed that emergency protocols were enacted immediately. Fire engines, ambulances, and specialist bomb disposal equipment were deployed. Despite the disruption, airport operations were not affected and flights continued as scheduled.

 

“The object was located in the motorcycle parking zone, about 200 metres from the domestic terminal,” Mr Montchai said. “Initial efforts were made to examine the device, but due to uncertainty we opted for a controlled detonation for safety.”

EOD units, supported by K-9 teams, had assessed the object and determined it was potentially an explosive. A controlled detonation was subsequently carried out. The area had been secured, and passengers were kept at a safe distance throughout the operation.

 

Examination was carried out of the evidence by authorities, after the controlled detonation, but they have yet to confirm that there was any explosive material or if this was a credible device, but the circuitry and packaging, made it look like a homemade bomb.

 

Despite the tense atmosphere, airport services remained operational, with authorities emphasising that safety procedures are firmly in place.

 

This was just one of several security incidents across Phuket on the same day. At around 14:00, police were called to a restaurant in Kathu district after a suspicious bag was discovered. Fortunately, it was found to contain no harmful materials and was returned to its owner, a resident of Nakhon Si Thammarat, who had forgotten it.

 

Additional suspicious objects were reported in Laem Phromthep and Patong, though none were found to be explosives or pose a danger. Authorities have since increased patrols in public areas across the island.

 

Later in the evening of the 25 June, police confirmed that two suspects, Mr. Muhamma Wading age 29 and Mr. Sulaiman Gaza age 27, had been arrested in connection with the airport incident. One admitted to planning to plant the suspect device at the airport, after travelling from Pattani province with a group of accomplices. The second suspect was identified as the individual who parked the motorcycle at the airport. The suspect 

 

According to investigators, the men were part of a coordinated plot to target high-profile sites in a deliberate attempt to cause public disruption. Police are now working to track down other individuals believed to be involved.

 

During the interrogation Mr. Mahama Wadeng made a claim that he had planted 4 bombs and added that the motorcycle at the airport contained a real bomb.

 

EOD officers and related agencies are continuing the search for 3 more bombs that the perpetrators claims to have left, 2 at Patong Beach and 1 at Promthep Cape. Officers conducted a search overnight, but were unable to find any devices.

 

A spokesperson for the Phuket Provincial Police urged the public to remain calm but alert:

 

“We call on everyone to report any suspicious activity or items immediately. Public cooperation is essential to ensuring continued safety.”

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1364658-time-bomb-scare-in-phangnga-two-men-arrested-at-checkpoint/

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-06-26

 

 

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Suspected Explosive Device Safely Detonated on Patong Beach

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Krabi on Alert as Two Suspicious Objects Found

 

 

[hotchilli]

On 6/26/2025 at 4:14 AM, Georgealbert said:

EOD units, supported by K-9 teams, had assessed the object and determined it was potentially an explosive. A controlled detonation was subsequently carried out. The area had been secured, and passengers were kept at a safe distance throughout the operation.

Not knowing the type or size of explosive a distance of only two hundred meters from the terminal sounds a bit close for a detonation?

[riverhigh]

"One admitted to planning to plant the suspect device at the airport, after travelling from Pattani province with a group of accomplices. The second suspect was identified as the individual who parked the motorcycle at the airport. The suspect according to investigators, the men were part of a coordinated plot to target high-profile sites in a deliberate attempt to cause public disruption. Police are now working to track down other individuals believed to be involved."

 

If true, life sentence without parole or death penality.  I consider them to be  terrorists  who have forfeited their rights to a trial.

[wensiensheng]

Jeez, I’m living in a war zone 😅

 

Just wait and see, Thai people will be all over this and any bag left unattended for longer than 5 seconds will be reported. It will become a fashionable thing to do. Better safe than sorry I suppose.

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Suspected Explosive Device Found andNeutralised at Promthep Cape, Phuket

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Phuket Airport Tightens Security with Five New Measures After Suspicious Object Found on Motorcycle

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Phuket International Airport (HKT) has announced the implementation of five enhanced security measures following the discovery of a suspicious object hidden on a parked motorcycle near the domestic terminal on 25 June.

 

Airport Director Mr. Monchai Tahnod confirmed that the object was found in the motorcycle parking area at the front of the terminal building. While no harm occurred, the incident prompted an immediate response from airport security and local police. The airport has since stepped up its safety protocols to reassure passengers, tourists, and airlines operating at the facility.

 

The new security measures include:

 

1. Strict Vehicle Inspections

All vehicles entering airport premises, including cars and motorcycles, are now subject to thorough inspection by airport security. Vehicles left unattended for extended periods or whose owners cannot be located will be subject to further scrutiny, in coordination with Sakhu Police.

 

2. Parking Area Control

Parking on the roadside along Highway 4031 in front of the airport is being regulated in partnership with Sakhu Police. Unauthorized parking at the terminal drop-off zone is now strictly prohibited.

 

3. Enhanced CCTV Monitoring and Patrols

Surveillance via closed-circuit cameras has been reinforced across the airport, with increased patrol frequency both inside and around the premises. Security screening procedures have been upgraded in accordance with international standards.

 

4. Revised Entry and Exit Routes

Access points for people and vehicles are being adjusted based on ongoing risk assessments to ensure a proportionate response to evolving threats.

 

5. Tighter Controls on Car Rental Services

Car rental operators at the airport have been instructed to rigorously monitor vehicle handovers and returns, and to remain alert for suspicious behaviour. Any concerns must be immediately reported to the airport’s security centre.

 

In addition, the airport continues to coordinate closely with national intelligence and security agencies to adapt procedures in line with the current threat landscape.

 

“These strengthened measures are designed to boost public confidence and ensure the safety of all passengers and visitors,” Mr. Monchai said, noting that security remains a top priority amid heightened vigilance nationwide.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-26

 

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

Phuket Governor Assures Public After Suspicious Devices Found

 

 

 

 

[Jonathan Swift]

15 hours ago, riverhigh said:

"One admitted to planning to plant the suspect device at the airport, after travelling from Pattani province with a group of accomplices. The second suspect was identified as the individual who parked the motorcycle at the airport. The suspect according to investigators, the men were part of a coordinated plot to target high-profile sites in a deliberate attempt to cause public disruption. Police are now working to track down other individuals believed to be involved."

 

If true, life sentence without parole or death penality.  I consider them to be  terrorists  who have forfeited their rights to a trial.

 

[black tabby12345]

21 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Not knowing the type or size of explosive a distance of only two hundred meters from the terminal sounds a bit close for a detonation?

 

Usually, the controlled detonation takes place in the middle of nowhere with no civilian population/buildings around.

 

Looks careless to do bomb disposal that close to the airport terminal.

Fragments  from the explosion might hurt/damage people/infrastructure.

[black tabby12345]

At any airports, don't leave your bags unattended.

Or they might be blown away while are in toilet.

[Georgealbert]

5 minutes ago, black tabby12345 said:

 

Usually, the controlled detonation takes place in the middle of nowhere with no civilian population/buildings around.

 

Looks careless to do bomb disposal that close to the airport terminal.

Fragments  from the explosion might hurt/damage people/infrastructure.

A controlled detonation by EOD officers is a deliberate, safe explosion of a suspicious object or confirmed explosive device. It’s typically done on-site to:

 

1. Neutralise Potential Threats.

If a device is suspected to be live, detonating it in a controlled way eliminates the risk it might explode unexpectedly and cause harm.

 

2. Protect Lives and Property.

By controlling the timing and conditions of the explosion, EOD can keep people and infrastructure safe. The size of this device was known, as it was in the motorcycle and a suitable perimeter established.

3.Prevent Tampering or Movement Issues.

Some devices may be booby-trapped or unstable, so moving them could trigger detonation. A controlled explosion avoids this risk.

 

 

 

[hotchilli]

54 minutes ago, black tabby12345 said:

 

Usually, the controlled detonation takes place in the middle of nowhere with no civilian population/buildings around.

 

Looks careless to do bomb disposal that close to the airport terminal.

Fragments  from the explosion might hurt/damage people/infrastructure.

That coupled to blast damage to glazing... 

[Georgealbert]

32 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

That coupled to blast damage to glazing... 

 

This was a controlled detention, not a controlled explosion. Both terms are used in the context of bomb disposal, but they refer to very different procedures carried out by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams:

 

Controlled Detention- A non-destructive procedure used to temporarily contain or stabilise a suspicious item, so it can be examined or dealt with safely.

 

Controlled Explosion - A deliberate blast of a suspicious item in a safe and controlled manner.

 

[Georgealbert]

Phuket Airport Strengthens Security After Bomb Scare