Enhanced Airport Protocols
Early Arrival Advised
Phuket International Airport has urged passengers to arrive at least two hours early starting June 27, 2025, due to heightened security measures following the discovery of an explosive device. The device, hidden in an abandoned motorcycle, was safely neutralized on Wednesday night. Authorities are enforcing strict compliance with new protocols to ensure traveler safety in this bustling tourist hub.
Bomb Disposal Operations
Multiple Devices Neutralized
Bomb experts successfully defused the motorcycle device, along with two others found at Patong Beach and Promthep Cape. The swift response prevented potential disruptions, with no reported injuries or damage. Phuket’s security teams remain on high alert, conducting thorough inspections to safeguard the island’s reputation as a premier travel destination.
Motorcycle Screening Measures
Abandoned Vehicles Relocated
To mitigate risks, all motorcycles left unattended at the airport for extended periods are being relocated to Sakhu police station. Owners must present vehicle registration and identification to reclaim their bikes. This precaution aims to prevent similar incidents, reinforcing Phuket’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment for millions of annual visitors.
Suspect Confessions Drive Probe
Arrests in Phang Nga
The security operations stem from confessions by two suspects, Sulaiman Kacha and Muhama Wadeng, arrested in Phang Nga’s Muang district on Tuesday. The pair, residents of Pattani, admitted to planting the devices. Their disclosures prompted authorities to intensify efforts to uncover additional threats, focusing on Phuket’s high-traffic tourist areas.
Raids in Pattani Province
Three More Suspects Detained
On Thursday, security forces raided four locations in Pattani’s Mae Lan district after evidence from Sulaiman’s phone revealed shooting practice in a local orchard. Three suspects, including a man identified as Muhammad, were apprehended and are under interrogation. The orchard’s owner remains at large, with authorities expanding their search to disrupt the network behind the devices.
Ongoing Security Efforts
Protecting Phuket’s Tourism
The incidents highlight the challenges of maintaining safety in Thailand’s top tourist destination amid rising regional tensions. Phuket’s authorities are collaborating with regional security agencies to trace the origins of the devices and prevent further threats. By bolstering security and urging public vigilance, officials aim to restore confidence and protect the island’s vital tourism industry.
