Abandoned suitcase creates panic

PHUKET: An unknown foreigner caused a stir among Koh Kaew residents yesterday morning, when he dropped off a suitcase outside a SuperCheap store and promptly left.

Wattana Thinkoh, the village headman (Phu Yai Baan), was alerted to the incident about 10am.

“I reported the case to my superior, Muang District Chief Supoj Chanakij. Phuket City Police officers were also called in to investigate,” said Mr Wattana.

Police opened the suitcase only to find an empty black bag inside.

“What caused suspicion was the way the man was behaving. He dropped off the case, waved to everyone and suddenly walked away. People panicked because they misunderstood his actions to mean something sinister,” he added.

So far, there are no leads on the identity of the foreigner and why he dropped off the suitcase.

— Winai Sarot