Authorities have confirmed that unusual objects were found at Phuket International Airport’s parking area, Patong Beach and Promthep Cape, said the announcement.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit of the Phuket Provincial Police was quickly deployed to each site, where the objects were safely neutralised, the statement continued.
Discovery of another device neutralised at Surin Beach was not included in the statement. Also not reported was that police were still searching for two more possible devices, a second at Surin Beach and yet another at Patong Beach.
Regardless, the statement explained that initial investigations suggest the incidents were not intended to cause harm but to “create a situation” and incite public fear.
Officials said the devices, if triggered, would likely have only produced loud noises without significant damage or injury.
Thanks to the rapid response, no harm occurred, and all airport operations, public transportation, tourist attractions and businesses have continued as normal, the statement said.
Two suspects have been arrested and are currently under investigation as authorities work to uncover further leads.
SECURITY BOOST
In response to the incident, Phuket officials have rolled out a three-part security plan to further protect residents and visitors:
- Tightened Screening at Entry Points
* Police across all 11 districts have been instructed to increase overlapping patrols to form a comprehensive ‘spiderweb’ surveillance network.
* Local leaders have been ordered to conduct thorough checks of unfamiliar individuals entering their communities.
* Land security has been strengthened at Phuket Checkpoint (at Tha Chatchai), with a proposal submitted to install facial recognition technology to improve screening.
* Airport screening has also been ramped up in coordination with airlines, while sea border controls are being tightened with inspections by the Royal Thai Navy and Marine Police.
- Increased Patrols in Tourist Areas
* Additional uniformed and plainclothes officers have been deployed to popular destinations including Patong, Kata-Karon, Promthep Cape and Phuket Old Town.
* CCTV coverage has been expanded in collaboration with local municipalities, businesses and volunteer networks.
- Public-Private Security Partnerships
* Tourist Police and Region 8 Police are leading safety training programmes for tourism-related businesses.
* Security staff at hotels, shopping centers and other key sites will receive specialised training to detect and report suspicious activities.
* Regular emergency drills will be conducted in partnership with the public and private sectors.
* A multilingual public information system is being developed to provide timely updates in Thai, English, Chinese and Russian.
PUBLIC REASSURANCE
The Phuket Provincial Office expressed its gratitude to the security forces, local authorities, private sector partners and the people of Phuket for their cooperation in safeguarding the province.
“We will not be complacent. We will strengthen our security protocols from all angles to prevent future incidents,” the statement read. “Phuket remains safe for residents and is fully prepared to welcome travelers from around the world.”
Authorities urge anyone who sees suspicious objects or behaviour to call the 24-hour emergency hotlines 191 or 1155 immediately.