Phuket Tightens Security with Three-Pronged Strategy Following Suspicious Devices at Tourist

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Phuket authorities have announced a sweeping upgrade to security protocols across the province following the discovery of suspicious objects resembling explosive devices in high-profile locations.

 

The suspected devices were found between the evening of 25 June and the morning of 26 June at the car park of Phuket International Airport, Patong Beach and Phromthep Cape. The incidents prompted a swift response from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit of Phuket Provincial Police, who successfully secured and removed the objects.

 

According to the official statement issued on 27 June, initial investigations indicated that the incidents were likely staged as an act of “creating public alarm” rather than a genuine threat. The primary potential consequence would have been noise disturbance, with no expected risk to life or property.

 

Thanks to pre-emptive action and tight security coordination, no injuries or damage were reported. Authorities confirmed that all transport systems, tourist attractions and business operations across Phuket continue as normal.

 

In a bid to reassure both residents and international tourists, the Phuket provincial administration has unveiled a robust three-point plan to bolster public safety:

 

1. Enhanced Screening at All Entry Points

 

1.1 Island-wide Security Measures:

 

• All 11 local police stations have been directed to implement overlapping patrol shifts, creating a coordinated “spider web” network of surveillance to ensure round-the-clock coverage.

 

• District officers, village headmen, and local leaders have been tasked with identifying unfamiliar persons in communities. Any suspicious behaviour must be reported immediately for legal action.

 

1.2 Tightened Border Checks:

 

• Land: Authorities are seeking central government support to install facial recognition systems at Tha Chatchai checkpoint, Phuket’s main land access point, to enhance screening accuracy.

 

• Air: Phuket International Airport has intensified security screening across all stages, working in close cooperation with airlines.

 

• Sea: The Third Naval Area Command and Marine Police are conducting comprehensive inspections at ferry terminals, tourist piers, and inbound vessels.

 

2. Increased Patrols at Major Tourist Locations

 

Police presence has been ramped up with both uniformed and undercover officers patrolling key tourist zones such as Patong, Kata-Karon beaches, Phromthep Cape, and Phuket Old Town.

 

The authorities are also integrating municipal and private-sector CCTV systems and coordinating with volunteer networks to monitor and report unusual activity.

 

3. Collaboration with the Private Sector and Civil Society

 

Under the direction of Region 8 Provincial Police, local authorities and tourism businesses are implementing joint initiatives, including:

 

• Basic security training for hospitality and tourism professionals.

 

• Establishing a rapid-reporting network of hotel, shopping mall, and venue security staff trained to detect threats.

 

• Quarterly emergency drills involving both public and private sectors.

 

• Development of multilingual public information channelsin Thai, English, Chinese and Russian to ensure effective communication during emergencies.

 

Phuket Governor’s Office expressed its gratitude to all involved—particularly the Royal Thai Navy, Royal Thai Army, national police, Ministry of Interior and local government units, whose commitment and coordination ensured the province remained safe.

 

“We will not be complacent,” the statement concluded. “Our measures will only become stricter from here to proactively prevent any future incidents. Phuket remains safe and fully open to welcome visitors from around the world.”

 

Citizens and visitors are encouraged to remain alert. Any suspicious activity or unidentified objects should be reported immediately to emergency hotlines 191 or 1155, both available 24/7.

 

Related articles:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1365049-six-suspicious-devices-discovered-across-phuket-authorities-confirm/

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-28