PHUKET, June 26 (TNA) – Thai bomb disposal experts successfully detonated a suspicious object found on Patong Beach in Phuket today, a day after a similar operation rendered safe an explosive device found on a motorcycle near the airport.
Police from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit confirmed they had defused the object, which an unidentified individual had concealed on the popular tourist beach. There were no casualties or injuries reported. Authorities cordoned off the immediate area where the object was discovered, but tourists outside the 300-400 meter radius continued their activities normally and showed no signs of panic.
The suspicious object was described as having a timer mechanism, though officials did not specify the type of explosive. Forensic police are expected to collect further evidence. Prior to the controlled detonation, EOD officers fired two rounds to disrupt any potential signals. Reporters located 200 meters away reported hearing a loud explosion during the disposal.
Yesterday evening, Phuket’s EOD unit also successfully disposed of an explosive device found hidden in a motorcycle abandoned near the passenger terminal of Phuket International Airport. Police Major General Sinlert Sukhum, commander of the Phuket Provincial Police, acknowledged an increased security presence and intensified inspections across the island in recent days.
Authorities believe the discovery of explosives at both locations in Phuket is linked to the arrest of two suspects caught transporting an improvised explosive device in a car in Phang Nga province. The location where the suspicious object was found on Patong Beach aligns with the timeline of the two suspects, who entered Phuket on June 23 before their arrest on June 24. -819 (TNA)
