Crime Suspected Explosive Device Safely Detonated on Patong Beach

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Khoasod.

 

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists safely carried out a controlled detonation of a suspected explosive device found near Patong Beach on the morning of 26 June. The suspicious object was discovered close to a hotel near the busy Loma intersection on Thaweewong Road, a popular area frequented by both Thai and international tourists.

 

The operation unfolded shortly after sunrise, as security forces cordoned off a section of the beachfront to ensure public safety. EOD teams conducted a thorough examination of the item before carrying out the detonation in a controlled manner. No injuries or property damage were reported. Authorities have not yet confirmed what object was discovered or if it was a credible explosive device.

 

Authorities confirmed that the discovery came just three days after the arrest of a man from Pattani Province, who is suspected of planting several suspicious devices at multiple locations across Phuket on 23 June. That incident prompted heightened security measures across the island, particularly in public spaces and tourist zones.

The suspect, is currently in police custody. Investigators believe he may be linked to a broader network and are actively pursuing leads regarding his possible motives and accomplices. It remains unclear whether today’s device was directly connected to the earlier incidents, but police are treating the case with utmost seriousness.

 

In a statement, Phuket Provincial Police urged residents and visitors to remain calm but vigilant. “We are working closely with national security agencies to investigate any potential threats. Public cooperation is essential. If you see something suspicious, report it immediately,” a spokesperson said.

 

 

As investigations continue, Phuket’s tourism authority reassured travellers that the island remains safe and fully operational. “We are committed to the safety of all visitors. Security forces acted quickly, and we thank them for their professionalism,” an official statement read.

 

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1364814-bomb-scare-at-phuket-airport-as-suspect-device-found-in-motorcycle/

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-26

 

 

 

 

 

 

[outsider]

In an earlier article, it was reported that "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." It seems Mr. Wadeng was arrested in the evening of 25 June. 

 

 

But this article mentioned a suspect was arrested on 23 June. I guess it's not the same person (Mr. Wadeng).  Which supports the authorities suspicion there is a broader network behind these incidences. 

 

This Friday 27 June is "Awal Muharram" or "Maal Hijrah" - apparently it marks the start of the Islamic New Year. Just wondering if these incidences are "in celebration" of the "new year". 

[Georgealbert]

Krabi on Alert as Two Suspicious Objects Found

 

 

 

[fredwiggy]

What a boost for the tourism .

[Harrisfan]

Lots of muslims live there.

[CanadaSam]

No information if they blew up somebody's beach bag, or ???

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Suspected Explosive Device Found and Neutralised at Promthep Cape, Phuket

 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Authorities in Phuket successfully neutralised a suspicious device hidden near the popular tourist site of Promthep Cape, after a disposal operation by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers.

 

At around 12:00 on 26 June, local reporters were alerted to a potential bomb threat in the Rawai Subdistrict of Mueang District, Phuket Province. The device, believed to have been planted on 23 June, was discovered concealed beneath a stairway leading down to the cape’s famous viewpoint.

 

The EOD team, supported by investigators from Region 8 Provincial Police Headquarters, Phuket Provincial Police and officers from the Rawai Municipal Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Unit, swiftly secured the area. A municipal fire engine was also dispatched as a precautionary measure.

Upon inspection, the suspicious object was confirmed to be a metal canister connected to a circuit board, raising immediate fears of an improvised explosive device (IED). The team attempted to disable the device multiple times. It was only on the fourth attempt that they successfully disabled the circuit, rendering the device safe.

 

Investigators from the forensic division have since been called to the scene to examine the remnants of the object and collect evidence for further analysis. The exact motive or intent behind the placement of the device remains under investigation.

 

Authorities have confirmed that the suspect responsible for placing the device had already confessed to positioning it at the location three days prior. However, no further details regarding if it was a credible explosive device has been disclosed.

 

Officials have reassured the public that the area is now safe and fully under control, with increased security measures likely to follow.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-26

 

 

 

 

[MalcolmB]

1 hour ago, fredwiggy said:

What a boost for the tourism .

Phuket Fred.

we brushed off a tsunami 

A couple of ping pong bombs will be forgotten in a week.

[fredwiggy]

2 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

Phuket Fred.

we brushed off a tsunami 

A couple of ping pong bombs will be forgotten in a week.

We? 250 dead isn't brushing off. Every thing that happens here is known worldwide, and less people will come as more crimes are told. And the gun and bomb crime happening here will increase, as they don't know how to enforce laws here. When it affects you or someone you know, then you won't brush it off so easily. 

[Jenkins9039]

Surprised the Mosque in Paklok wasn't raided, the entire area has become 'extremist' 

[Frankie baby]

Looks like DIY small bangers. Any-way pat on the back for the police who caught him and all.

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Phuket Governor Assures Public After Suspicious Devices Found

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

Phuket authorities have confirmed that the situation is now under control following the discovery of three suspicious devices locations around the island. Provincial Governor Sophon Suwannarat chaired an emergency security meeting on the afternoon of 26 June, after the items were found and neutralised at Phuket International Airport, Patong Beach and Promthep Cape.

 

The meeting, held at the provincial government office, was attended by senior security officials including Police Major General Sinlert Sukhum, Commander of Phuket Provincial Police, and representatives from administrative, military and law enforcement agencies. It focused on assessing the threat and tightening safety measures at high-profile tourist areas.

 

Following the meeting, Governor Sophon assured the public that all suspicious objects had been examined and posed no real threat.

 

“The devices were not explosive in nature,” he said. “They were designed to make loud noises but lacked any shrapnel or components that could cause harm. It appears the intent was to incite fear rather than to inflict damage.”

 

He suggested the motive was to disrupt tourism rather than to target lives, linking the incident to the discovery of firearms in the area earlier in the week.

 

Governor Sophon said that heightened security measures were being deployed, including area-wide and personal screenings, to restore public confidence, particularly among international visitors. He expects the situation will return to normal within two to three days.

 

Phuket’s 11 police stations have been instructed to conduct inspections across all districts, while local officials, including district chiefs and village leaders, have been tasked with monitoring newcomers and identifying suspicious behaviour. Security will also be tightened at Tha Chatchai checkpoint at the northern entrance to the island, with plans underway to install modern facial recognition and hazardous materials scanners.

 

In response to concerns over the impact on tourism, the governor said letters had been sent to travel agencies explaining that Phuket remains safe. He urged both residents and tourists to report any suspicious behaviour or objects immediately.

 

“The safety of Phuket must be a collective responsibility,” he said. “Let us work together to protect our home and reputation as a safe destination.”

 

When asked whether the incidents might be linked to unrest in Thailand’s Deep South, Governor Sophon acknowledged that the perpetrator originated from one of the southern border provinces but said investigations were ongoing.

 

Police Chief Sinlert Sukhum confirmed that three locations had been targeted, the airport, Patong Beach and Promthep Cape and that fragments from each device were being analysed.

 

“Initial investigations suggest the purpose was to create panic, not cause harm,” he said. “For instance, the device at Promthep Cape was hidden beneath a concrete slab and covered with stones in an area where no one would typically go.”

 

He added that the devices appeared to have timers attached, though their significance was still under analysis.

 

Crucially, he noted that the suspects had travelled without raising suspicion, using vehicles with legitimate documentation and  no stolen plates.

 

“They blended in seamlessly,” he said. “That’s why they were able to enter the province undetected.”

 

Security agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, with a focus on securing tourist zones and analysing possible connections to broader national security concerns.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-27

 

 

 

 

[ukrules]

I wonder what action triggered this wave of attempted bombings?

You know I kind of expected a load of bombs to go off this year due to the deportation of those Chinese uyghurs - is this the start of it?

 

No mention of China or Uyghurs anywhere though - maybe it's completely random and therefore unrelated? 🙄

[ChrisY1]

I'm sure his words are very reassuring to potential tourists.....Explosive devices in Phuket....brawls in Pattaya....seems the tourist hot spots are going well!

[hotchilli]

19 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Authorities confirmed that the discovery came just three days after the arrest of a man from Pattani Province

That's worrying, they are taking their issues and are spreading around the country.

[sikishrory]

16 hours ago, Jenkins9039 said:

Surprised the Mosque in Paklok wasn't raided, the entire area has become 'extremist' 

The krabi one was i think

[Iron Tongue]

So which one was it?

1.  Controlled detonation.

2.  EOD disabled the circuit, rendering device safe.

3.  No explosives found, meant to create fear, not harm.

 

Nobody else noticed the different directions this has been reported?

 

[rwill]

9 minutes ago, Iron Tongue said:

So which one was it?

1.  Controlled detonation.

2.  EOD disabled the circuit, rendering device safe.

3.  No explosives found, meant to create fear, not harm.

 

Nobody else noticed the different directions this has been reported?

 

2 different devices/locations.

[LudwigK]

Why just now? Series of bombs, a connectiom to the cambodia conflict??

[Georgealbert]

1 hour ago, Iron Tongue said:

So which one was it?

1.  Controlled detonation.

2.  EOD disabled the circuit, rendering device safe.

3.  No explosives found, meant to create fear, not harm.

 

Nobody else noticed the different directions this has been reported?

 

You’re picking quotes from 3 different reports in this topic.

 

After investigation, the devices were found not to be a credible explosive devices, but all were designed to resemble ones, with timers and live circuits. (Point 3) 

 

The EOD officers could not confirm if the objects were credible explosives devices on site,

 

So to reduce the risk at the beach EOD officers used a controlled detention to neutralise the risk. EOD officers would have used their own explosive charge. (Point 1)

 

At Promthep Cape the EOD officers disabled the circuitry to neutralise the risk. (Points 2)

 

[Jonathan Swift]

looks like a bunch of F students in electronics 101. 

[pest]

Hightened security todat at both Centrals Bag checks and walkthru metal detectors being set up 

I dont feel any safer as its not plugged in 555

[Scouse123]

With all these explosive devices being planted, we might need the military to come in and take over to save the country!

 

Didn't we have a similar problem last time, shortly before the military took over?