Phuket security at ‘maximum’. Seven southern provinces warned.

Security is being ramped up in some southern provinces today including Phuket, Trang, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phangnga and Krabi.

Police have put the security level at ‘maximum’ reflecting their concerns over possible violent anniversary attacks after last year’s bombings and arson on August 11 and 12.

Ten bombs went off and five fires broke out in public areas, convenience stores, marketplaces in the seven provinces. Four people were killed with another 32 others injured in the blasts. Police described the attacks as “local subotage” and linked the incidents to national political events. The attacks took place just days after a constitutional referendum on August 7, 2016.

Arrest warrants were issued for 10 suspects with investigations later revealing that most of them came from provinces in the ‘deep south’. Some were already on the security ‘watch list’ and had been involved in other violent attacks and bombings in the southern provinces.

Thai Security agencies sent warnings to local authorities in Phuket, Trang, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phangnga and Krabi advising them to step up surveillance operation, police inspections and operations right through the month of August.

Checks at public buildings, events and popular tourist locations, shopping centres and shops in tourist zones are likely to reflect increased security measures during this time, according to local police.

Security has also been stepped up at the Phuket International Airport in response to the warnings.

PHOTO: Chiang Rai Times