The Australian government has issued a new travel warning for Thailand-bound Aussies and prospective visitors after an explosive device was recently found near Phuket International Airport.
In light of the discovery, Phuket airport has upped security measures and advised passengers to arrive well ahead of flights, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) states on its Smartraveller website.
According to local authorities, Thai officials also discovered and defused devices in a tourist area of Phuket as well as in the nearby holiday hotspots of Krabi and Phang Nga last week.
Two explosive devices were planted at Phuket’s Patong Beach and one at Promthep Cape, while in nearby Krabi, a device was found in the tourist zone of Ao Nang Beach.
According to the Bangkok Post, authorities said the devices were more likely to have been planted to cause fear rather than injury or damage, but urged caution. Arrests have been made relating to the crimes.
On Smartraveller, DFAT says that “there’s an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks in Thailand”.
“Popular tourist areas may be the target of terrorist attacks anywhere across Thailand, including Bangkok and Phuket,” it reads.
“Coordinated attacks have occurred in the southern provinces.”
It adds that “the security situation in Thailand can be unpredictable”.
“Large protests have occurred in Bangkok and other areas. In previous years, large political protests and government crowd control operations have resulted in violence,” it states.
Despite the fresh advice, the DFAT has not changed its overall travel alert level for the Southeast Asian nation, advising Aussies to “Exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand overall due to security and safety risks” – the second lowest threat level.
A higher level (“Reconsider your need to travel”) applies to the Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces; however, these are rarely frequented by Australian holidaymakers.
In its update today, the government also reminded Aussies that the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East could increase the threat of attacks against Israeli interests in other regions.
“Be alert to possible threats. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities,” it stated.
In addition, the department reminded Aussies to be alert to risks around drink spiking in Thailand.
“Don’t leave food or drinks unattended. Stay with people you trust at bars, nightclubs and in taxis.”
