Phuket Beach Scare: Grenade-like Object Turns Out to Be a Lighter

Tension on Kalim Beach Over Suspicious Object

A calm day at Kalim Beach in Phuket turned tense when a report was made about a grenade-like object found in the backseat of a taxi. Concerned citizens quickly alerted the authorities, sparking fears of a possible explosive near the popular tourist destination. However, the object in question turned out to be a harmless lighter, designed to resemble a grenade.

Quick Response by Patong Police

Swift Action to Address Potential Danger

On October 18, at 1:30 PM, Patong Police Station received an urgent call about the suspicious object in a taxi near Kalim Beach on Phra Barami Road. Superintendent Chalermchai Hoernsawat and his team responded immediately, arriving at the scene to assess the situation.

The officers found the taxi, a black Toyota Fortuner with green plates, parked near the beach. Observing through the window, they noticed what appeared to be a grenade resting on the backseat. Using a flashlight to examine the object closely, Chalermchai decided to inspect it manually after confirming that it wasn’t an actual explosive. To everyone’s relief, the object was identified as a lighter made to look like a grenade.

Relief for Locals and Tourists

The quick actions of the police helped to ease the rising concerns of locals and tourists in the area. The object, while harmless, had created significant alarm due to its resemblance to a grenade. This incident serves as a reminder of how such items can easily cause misunderstandings in public spaces.

Police Warning to the Taxi Driver

Following the scare, Chalermchai Hoernsawat issued a warning to the taxi driver, advising against leaving items in the vehicle that could be mistaken for dangerous objects. The driver was reminded of the potential panic such objects could cause, which might lead to unnecessary police intervention.

A Broader Warning of Vigilance

This incident highlights the importance of staying vigilant and being cautious about personal belongings, particularly those that might resemble explosives or dangerous items. Police officials stressed the need for heightened awareness to prevent similar situations in the future.

Similar Incidents Raise Alarm

This isn’t the first time Thailand has faced public safety scares. Recently, a Polish woman was arrested at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok after causing chaos mid-flight by making a bomb threat aboard a Thai Vietjet flight from Vietnam. The combination of such events emphasizes the need for continuous security vigilance.

Conclusion: Vigilance is Key in Public Safety

While the Phuket beach scare was resolved peacefully, it underscores the importance of reporting suspicious objects and maintaining caution in public places. Although the object turned out to be harmless, the swift response from authorities ensured that any potential danger was thoroughly investigated.