Two arrested over bomb plot aimed at disrupting Andaman tourism

The two suspected insurgents, arrested by police in Phang-nga province on Tuesday night, are alleged to be responsible for planting eleven improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Phuket and Krabi provinces, intending to undermine the tourism-driven economy of Andaman Sea coastal provinces, said Lt-Gen Paisal Nusang, commander of the 4th Army Region.

After their arrests and initial questioning by Phang-nga police, the two suspects, identified as Muhama, 29, and Sulaiman, 27, were taken to the Fourth Region Army’s interrogation centre in Pattani province for more intensive questioning.

Pol Lt-Gen Paisal claims that the two suspects admitted to being ordered by their organisation, believed to be the BRN, to carry out a plot to cause public panic and to undermine the economy of Phuket, Krabi and Phang-nga provinces.

He added that the IEDs were not powerful enough to cause serious damage or to kill.

The two suspects allegedly planted eleven IEDs. There were six in Phuket, including one in Phuket International Airport’s car park, one at Laem Prom Thep, two on Patong Beach, two on Surin Beach, and five in Nang Bay in Krabi province. All of the devices were discovered and neutralised by explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams.

The Fourth Army commander said that security has been increased by all relevant agencies in Andaman coastal provinces, noting that insurgents from the Deep South may try to ramp up their operations outside the three southern provinces.

He asked for increased vigilance by members of the public and that they alert officials if they come across suspicious objects abandoned in public places or suspicious strangers.