KUALA LUMPUR – Thai authorities have stepped up security in southern provinces after a series of suspicious objects – some confirmed as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) – were discovered this week in key tourist areas of Phuket and Krabi.
Two suspects are now in custody and have admitted to planting bombs in the areas, which are also a popular holiday destination for Malaysians, according to Thai media reports. Investigators say the operation was carried out by a four-man team from Pattani, with two suspects still at large.
The devices, some concealed in motorcycles or delivery bags, were found across multiple sites in what appears to be a coordinated attempt to incite fear instead of causing actual casualties.
The confirmed and suspected devices include:
– A timed explosive device found 30 metres from the Krabi police station, near a sculpture park
– Two IEDs discovered within Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi
– A suspicious motorcycle abandoned at the Krabi Central Mosque, still under inspection
– A motorcycle rigged with explosives found near the passenger terminal of Phuket International Airport
– Two suspicious objects buried at Patong Beach, Phuket (confirmed as non-lethal noise-making devices)
– A device embedded in concrete at Promthep Cape, Phuket (also deemed non-lethal)
All the items have since been neutralised by Thailand’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams. The airport remained operational throughout the response.
Phuket police chief Sinlert Sukhum said the objects were likely intended to create panic rather than cause physical harm.
“An initial examination confirms the devices produced noise but posed no real threat to life or property,” Bangkok Post quoted him as saying.
The suspects – identified as Sulaiman Kacha, 27, and Muhama Wadeng, 29 – were arrested in Phang Nga and later transferred to the Southern Border Provinces Police Operations Centre in Yala for further interrogation.
According to Thai PBS, both men confessed to planting four devices in Phuket: at the airport, Promthep Cape, and two at Patong Beach.
They told police they began their journey on June 21 from Pattani, travelled in a convoy with motorcycles and a sedan carrying explosives, and stopped overnight in Krabi before entering Phuket.
Authorities are still searching for three additional IEDs believed to have been planted but not yet found, based on the suspects’ statements. The two remaining members of the group are also being pursued.
In a related operation in Pattani, security forces arrested three more individuals and seized bomb-making materials and documents outlining planned attacks in Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga.
Phuket governor Sophon Suwannarat has assured the public that authorities have the situation under control.
“There is no significant cause for concern,” he said, adding that international tourism organisations have been briefed to prevent misinformation.
Security has since been tightened across tourist areas, national parks and checkpoints in the southern provinces as a precaution.
Notably, Phuket and Krabi are among the most popular destinations for Malaysian travellers. In 2023, Malaysia was Thailand’s top source of international arrivals, with over 4.5 million Malaysians visiting – surpassing China – according to data from Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Southern Thailand, particularly Phuket and Krabi, continues to draw Malaysian tourists due to its proximity, affordability, and attractions. According to travel platform Agoda, search interest for Krabi spiked by 328%, and for Phuket by 202%, ahead of Malaysia Day in 2024.
Survey data reported by Bernama also showed that nearly one in four Malaysians preferred Southern Thailand as their top Asean travel destination – ahead of popular regional spots like Bali and Hanoi.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has since placed all government agencies on high alert, saying the incidents appeared aimed at creating unrest in southern tourist provinces. She convened a meeting with top police and tourism officials to ensure the situation is closely monitored.
“Every precautionary measure has been implemented to ensure public safety and prevent harm. However, the government remains vigilant,” she said in a post on X.
Paetongtarn assured tourists that Thailand remains safe to visit, and thanked security personnel for their efforts. – June 27, 2025