Arson attack on Phuket guesthouse

PHUKET: Police are seeking a foreign tourist who threw a Molotov cocktail into the office of a guesthouse on Nanai Road in Patong yesterday.

According to the Siangtai Daily website, the attack shattered a large window and caused a deafening explosion at the Jaraan Guesthouse on Nanai Soi 7 shortly before 1am yesterday.

The incident was reported by 65-year-old Krissana Pimeemai, owner of the establishment.

Ms Krissana said a young foreign man arrived on a motorbike at about 12:30am and threw the incendiary device though the large glass window at the front of the building, causing a loud explosion and filling the room with smoke.

No injuries were reported.

CCTV footage recorded at the scene shows the man arriving on the motorbike, throwing the bomb and then taking a few moments to watch the results before driving off.

Ms Krissana said the assailant was a former guest who had argued with management and been ordered to check out last week.

The cause of the dispute was not reported.

Police said they expect to make an arrest in the case soon.

— Siangtai