Crime Devices Found at Tourist Areas Were Campaign to Cause Alarm

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

The Region 4 Army Commander, gave an update on 28 June, stating authorities have uncovered and safely neutralised eight suspicious devices planted at popular tourist locations across Phuket between 24 and 27 June, thus prompting heightened security fears and was a coordinated attempt to sow public fear.

 

The incidents followed the arrest of a suspect in Phang Nga, where police discovered an improvised explosive device (IED) similar to those used in the conflict-ridden southern border provinces. The man reportedly confessed to placing suspicious items across the provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.

The law enforcement operations were lead by officers from Police Region 8 and Region 9, supported by multiple other agencies, who launched a series of searches based on the suspect’s statements. All eight devices were rendered safe by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units, so they could be examined. Although the devices contained circuitry and components commonly associated with an IED, authorities stressed they were not designed to be destructive bombs.

 

Chronology of Discoveries:

 

1. 24 June (Evening) – Phuket Airport Domestic Terminal:

 

A suspicious motorbike was found in the parking area. Under the seat, officers discovered what appeared to be a fire extinguisher-type device. The EOD team destroyed it via controlled detonation.

 

2. 26 June – Patong Beach:

 

About 400 metres from Bangla Police Box, near the dolphin roundabout, a cooling tumbler containing wiring was unearthed from 50 cm below the sand.

 

3. 26 June (Morning) – Promthep Cape:

 

After a two-day search, police located a circuit board inside a snack can concealed under a stone on a cement bench.

 

4. 26 June (Evening) – Sarasin Bridge Viewpoint:

 

A power bank rigged with control panels was found hidden under a beam. It was safely dismantled by Region 9 EOD personnel.

 

5. 27 June (Morning) – Surin Beach:

 

After nearly three days of searching, officers uncovered a device buried in the sand near a tree.

 

6. 27 June – Nai Yang Beach:

 

Another suspicious item was found buried in the sand and was safely recovered.

 

7. 27 June (Afternoon) – Patong Beach (Second Site):

 

Just 50 metres from the earlier Patong discovery, a similar device in a cooling tumbler was located near a large tree.

 

8. 27 June (Evening) – Surin Beach (Second Site):

Approximately 150 metres from the first Surin site and near a lifeguard station, yet another device was found buried in the sand.

 

Authorities Confirm Intent Was to Incite Fear, Not Cause Harm

 

Lieutenant General Paisan Nusang, Commander of the Fourth Army Region, addressed the situation, clarifying that the devices were not intended to cause destruction. “These were not explosive devices designed to inflict harm. The intent was clearly to create panic and disturb public order,” he stated.

Despite this reassurance, the discovery of these items at heavily frequented tourist destinations has raised serious concerns about public safety and the potential for future incidents. The Royal Thai Police and military units continue to monitor the region closely, while beachgoers and travellers are urged to remain vigilant.

 

Phuket remains open to tourists, but security has been significantly bolstered at key locations, including beaches, transport hubs and public attractions.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-06-28