PHUKET — A suspect in custody has confessed to planting four bombs across Phuket, including a motorcycle bomb at Phuket International Airport, according to police interrogation records released June 25.
Mr. Muhamah (family name withheld) was transferred from Mueang Phang Nga Police Station to the Interrogation Centre of the Southern Border Provinces Police Operation Center in Yala Province by the Special Investigation Unit of Pattani Provincial Police.
During questioning, the suspect provided detailed accounts of the bombing operation that began on June 21. He told investigators that a white Honda Wave motorcycle with license plate 3422 was converted into a motorcycle bomb specifically intended for Phuket Airport.
Coordinated Multi-Person Operation
According to his confession, the operation involved four individuals: himself, and three accomplices identified as “Pajoo,” “Paosoo,” and Mr. Sulaiman. The group began their journey from Pattani Province on the evening of June 21.
The suspect detailed how he was picked up by “Pajoo” in Yarung, Pattani, before being driven to Hat Sakom in a bronze Toyota pickup truck. There, a sedan and three motorcycles were already prepared for the mission.
The convoy consisted of two white Honda Wave motorcycles, one blue Honda Wave, and a sedan carrying bombs and fuel in its trunk. The group traveled with the motorcycles leading and the sedan following, periodically switching riders and swapping jackets during the journey.
Strategic Stops and Bomb Placement
After stopping overnight in Krabi, the group continued at approximately 8 a.m. Before entering Phuket, they attached food delivery bags to the motorcycles as camouflage.
The suspects made strategic stops at two mosques: Ban Tha Chatchai Mosque around noon for a 30-minute break, and Nurul Jannatul Bang Rong Mosque for prayers. It was at the second location that “Pajoo” converted the white Honda Wave into a motorcycle bomb by placing an explosive device under the seat.
The group then systematically planted bombs at multiple locations:
- The motorcycle bomb at Phuket International Airport
- One explosive device at Promthep Cape
- Two bombs in the Patong area
Airport Threat Neutralized
Following the confession, authorities were alerted about the motorcycle bomb at Phuket Airport. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers located the vehicle and successfully disposed of the device.
Mr. Sulaiman, another suspect, corroborated key details of the timeline, confirming the 8 a.m. departure and overnight stop in Krabi before proceeding to carry out the bombing mission.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full scope of the plot and identify any additional suspects or targets.
________
