Authorities destroyed an abandoned motorcycle at Phuket International Airport on June 25 after an explosive device was found hidden inside, prompting heightened security measures across the island. The incident occurred just one day after police in neighboring Phang Nga province apprehended two men suspected of transporting bomb components.
According to Monchai Tanode, director of Phuket International Airport, the motorcycle was discovered in the airport’s parking area, roughly 200 meters from the passenger terminal. The airport’s emergency response protocol was immediately activated, including the deployment of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team and a K9 unit.
Following an initial inspection, the detection dog signaled the presence of explosives. Although technicians attempted to disable the device’s circuitry, the risk of a secondary trigger led the EOD team to proceed with a controlled detonation to ensure public safety.
The incident may be linked to a case the day before in which police stopped a vehicle in Phang Nga and found what resembled a bomb detonator. The two occupants, identified as residents of Pattani province, claimed they had been hired to deliver a package to an unnamed contact in Phuket. They insisted they were unaware of the package’s contents.
Although initial reports suggested the men were en route to Phuket, CCTV footage later revealed that they had already left the province when arrested. Surveillance recordings also showed two motorcycles entering Phuket around the same time as the suspects’ vehicle, but only one was seen exiting the island. The remaining motorcycle was eventually located at Phuket International Airport.
In response, Phuket police have increased security and are continuing their investigation into possible connections between the suspects and the explosive device.
