Attempted Serial Terror Attacks in Southern Tourist Destinations
Possible Muslim Separatist Involvement
Concerns Over Impact on Thailand's Tourism Industry
Authorities in Thailand are on high alert after attempted bomb attacks were uncovered in Phuket, the country’s premier tourist destination, and nearby areas. Local police removed six improvised explosive devices near major tourist sites, including Patong Beach and the vicinity of Phuket International Airport, and arrested two suspects in connection with the attempted attacks.
According to local media outlets such as the Bangkok Post and Khaosod on June 28, police apprehended two men, aged 29 and 27, in Phang Nga Province while they were traveling by car, and seized explosive devices from their vehicle. The suspects admitted to having planted four improvised explosive devices in the Phuket area. Following a search, police located and dismantled the explosives.
The main locations where the devices were planted included the area near the passenger terminal of Phuket International Airport, two spots along Patong Beach, and Promthep Cape. Additionally, two suspicious devices were found and safely removed from beaches in neighboring Krabi Province.
The suspects, who are reportedly from Pattani Province in southern Thailand, are believed to have traveled to Phuket by car with two accomplices who remain at large, planting explosives along the way. While the specific motive for the crime has not been confirmed, police are investigating possible links to the Muslim separatist movement in Thailand’s far south.
Phuket, Krabi, and Promthep Cape are among Southeast Asia’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing large numbers of international visitors year-round. There are concerns that, had the attempted attacks been carried out, they could have resulted in a major disaster.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stated, "This incident appears to be intended to create regional instability," adding, "We will prioritize the safety of tourists and maintain the highest level of vigilance."
The Thai government, concerned that this incident could deal another blow to the tourism industry, which has already been shaken by incidents such as kidnappings earlier this year, announced plans to strengthen security at key infrastructure sites including airports and ports.
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