PHUKET, June 26 (TNA) – Thai authorities successfully disarmed an explosive device in a motorcycle near Phuket International Airport Wednesday, averting a major incident.
The Phuket airport device was found around 6:30 p.m. local time. EOD officers safely neutralized it, revealing a gas cylinder with a potential 200-meter blast radius. No injuries were reported.
Authorities have yet to officially confirm the details. Initially, they suspect a link between the Phuket Airport incident and the June 24 arrest of Muhama Wadeng, 29, and Sulaiman Kasa, 27, both from Pattani. They were apprehended with suspicious objects resembling explosives while leaving Phuket. They reportedly confessed to planting four bombs, including a motorcycle bomb, with plans to target Phuket Airport. CCTV footage appears to corroborate this, showing a convoy carrying explosives departing Pattani on June 21 and stopping at various locations in Phuket including the airport.
Crucially, the June 25 Phuket Airport discovery occurred after their apprehension. Information from their confessions and collected evidence enabled authorities to issue warnings and safely disarm the suspicious object.
Despite the scare, Phuket Airport operations remain unaffected, though security measures, including stricter checks and patrols, have been significantly increased.
Last night, multiple security incidents unfolded overnight in Sai Buri district, Pattani. A Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) vehicle was torched, and several suspicious objects were found in various sub-districts.
Military, police, and local forces have secured these areas for urgent investigation to prevent further harm. No injuries or fatalities have been reported in Pattani, and investigations into motives are ongoing. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. -819 (TNA)
