PHUKET — Governors of Thailand’s three major tourism provinces: Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, have announced heightened security measures and emergency protocols following the discovery of explosive devices at popular tourist locations this week.
Police investigations led to the arrest of two suspects from Pattani province: Muhamah, 29, and Sulaiman, 27. CCTV footage revealed the pair began their operation on June 21, with devices planted between June 21-23. Once locations were identified, authorities mobilized teams to search and systematically defuse the planted explosives, including at Phuket International Airport between June 24 and 26.
Deputy PM and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai urged investigators to thoroughly examine all evidence before determining whether the incidents are connected to southern border unrest.
Thailand’s southernmost provinces have been gripped by a Muslim separatist insurgency since 2004, resulting in nearly 6,000 deaths and more than 13,000 injuries. In 2025, the conflict enters its 21st year with ongoing violence despite peace talks.
PHUKET
Governor Sophon Suwannarat confirmed authorities have the situation under control after meetings with security officials, police, military, and administrative personnel at Phuket Provincial Hall. Enhanced security measures include X-ray screening of both areas and people to restore confidence among residents and tourists. The situation is expected to normalize within 2-3 days.
Three suspicious devices have been found and destroyed over two days at Phuket Airport, Patong Beach, and Laem Phromthep. The devices produced only sound without shrapnel, as perpetrators aimed merely to create panic in the tourist city.
Authorities have briefed tour agents that Phuket remains safe. Police will monitor 11 key areas in overlapping shifts like a spider web to cover all routes. District chiefs and village heads will conduct X-ray inspections in all sub-districts, screening newcomers and suspicious individuals.
KRABI
Governor Angkur Silatevakul reported receiving online threats involving suspicious motorcycles and bomb-like objects in the city district before discovering actual devices. Teams searched four suspicious locations, finding an abandoned motorcycle at the central mosque and suspicious objects at Mahad Wood Sculpture Plaza (1 location) and near Noppharat Thara Beach signs (2 locations).
Security has been upgraded at government buildings, important sites, tourist attractions, shopping centers, hotels, airports, ports, parks, religious sites, schools, and universities – anywhere large crowds of Thais and foreigners gather.
PHANG NGA
Preliminary police reports indicate perpetrators intended to plant explosives at two Phang Nga locations. Police arrested two suspects driving a sedan returning from Phuket who were preparing to plant devices in Phang Nga city center. CCTV tracking showed suspects riding motorcycles from the Phang Nga Government Center before heading to Phuket.
Investigators discovered a suspicious object with abnormal characteristics along the wall in front of the Phang Nga Governor’s residence – a mass covered with stones and marked “W (Rawai)1.” The object had unusual weight, cut marks, and lettering underneath. EOD units successfully destroyed what proved to be a sound bomb with a 10-meter destruction radius.
Provincial authorities continue intensive patrols at risk points including communities, residential areas, and tourist sites to prevent incidents and maintain public confidence.
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