Phuket Officials Hunt Abandoned Vehicles Amid Bomb Concerns

Picture courtesy of Phuket Express

Phuket's local government officials have been ordered to locate and remove abandoned cars and motorbikes due to fears that they could be used to conceal explosives.

During a security briefing on July 1, chaired by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat at the Provincial Hall, officials were urged to prioritise the security of public spaces and buildings.

The directive follows concerns about unattended vehicles posing potential threats near government premises and public parks. This heightened vigilance comes after a recent bomb plot at Surin Beach was foiled, with suspects Muhama Wadeng and Sulaiman Gaza arrested in Phang Nga for carrying explosives.

Governor Sophon emphasised the need for regular area inspections and enhanced CCTV surveillance to prevent possible attacks. While the primary focus is on security, the governor also addressed other issues such as waste management, flooding, and public spending.

The Phuket City Municipality was praised for its efforts to manage landfill odours using bio-fermented water. Additionally, nine local bodies have committed to building new wastewater treatment systems, with support from a Chinese firm and five designs already completed.

The meeting also tackled flood risks, directing the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office to monitor weather conditions and keep the community informed.

Officials were reminded to manage foreign worker registrations, with fresh data revealing 1,011 migrants registered recently. The meeting concluded with a budget review, noting that 74.2% of the 2025 fiscal year funds had been used by June 25.

Despite addressing various issues, the possibility of abandoned vehicles hiding bombs was the main concern, prompting officials to treat any rusting vehicle as a potential threat.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-02