Phuket faced a series of worrying events recently after police found suspected bombs at several locations including the international airport according to many local news reports. Flight schedules at the airport were not affected, and security checks for vehicles and patrols were increased.
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and is a popular resort with tourists who visit for its beaches, markets and nightlife.
These consisted of a motorcycle that was packed with explosives and abandoned near the domestic terminal’s car park at Phuket International Airport; two explosive devices found in Patong Beach located in the west of the island including one near the aquatic theme park; and one more situated in Promthep Cape in the south which is a well-known sunset spot.
It was reported that on June 27 that the police defused all four explosive devices.
Arrest of two suspects
The discoveries of the bombs, along with the arrest of two men on Tuesday, 24 June in nearby Phangnga province which is a short boat ride from Phuket, have put the Southern Thailand region on high alert. Phangnga is also known as James Bond Island, which is featured in the 1974 film “The Man with the Golden Gun,” that starred Roger Moore.
While being questioned, the men admitted to placing four bombs in Phuket. Their motive, however, remains unclear. The men are said to come from the southern Thai province of Pattani.
Security stepped up
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat said the safety of everyone in Phuket remains the top concern and security has been increased, with bomb detection teams and sniffer dogs now on patrol at main tourist sites, including Patong Beach.
He also downplayed the threat to tourists in Phuket and said based on current evidence, none of the suspicious items found so far are explosive or destructive.
Tourists and locals are reported to have stayed calm. At Patong Beach, holidaymakers outside the secured area continued with their day.
Additional security measures
Thailand has since put all government agencies on high alert, stressing the need for increased vigilance, while reassuring tourists that it was safe to travel. Local police will intensify operations on safety for tourists while enhancing the island’s image on safety.
Phuket Provincial Police also plans to spend at least US$3 million on boosting the number of CCTV cameras from 223 to 503 across the island by next year.
Local government officials in Phuket have also been ordered to hunt down abandoned cars and motorbikes, over fears they could be used to hide bombs or could pose a serious threat.
Australia issues travel warning
The Australian government has warned travellers of an “ongoing risk of terrorism” across Thailand after police reported finding improvised explosives in tourist areas in Phuket.
“Popular tourist areas may be the target of terrorist attacks anywhere across Thailand, and Krabi including Bangkok and Phuket said a statement posted to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller website. “Phuket International Airport has increased security measures and passengers should arrive early for their flight. This follows the recent discovery of an explosive device near the airport”.
Strong tourist arrival numbers in 2024, with Russia and India leading the way
Tourist arrivals in Phuket reached 8.65 million in 2024, reflecting a 23% increase compared to 2023 and just 5% below the 2019 benchmark of 9.07 million arrivals. Russia led international arrivals with 1.7 million visitors in 2024, representing a 26% year-on-year increase, while India recorded a notable 58% rise, contributing over 481,000 visitors.
China, historically Phuket’s largest international source market, recorded 998,228 visitors in 2024, up from 566,961 by 76% in 2023, but still trailing the pre-pandemic peak of 3.12 million. However, tourist arrivals from China have fallen sharply after the kidnapping of a Chinese actor in January.
Phuket’s positioning as a luxury destination is evolving, with the island increasingly expanding its offerings from luxury real estate to premium lifestyle facilities, high-end developments and lifestyle-oriented establishments. The Ritz-Carlton Phuket, Wyndham Grand Phuket, W Phuket and JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa Chalong Bay are due to open in 2026.
Gen Z and Millennials (aged 18-44) now represent 58% of Phuket’s international passenger arrivals, equivalent to 3.29 million visitors. This highlights the island’s strong appeal as a vibrant and dynamic destination for younger travellers.
Photo credit: kitzcorner / Shutterstock.com
