Phuket bombing ‘civilian scare tactic’
PHUKET: The bomb blast at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (story here) was designed to frighten officials, and was likely not intended to kill anyone, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO) President Paiboon Upatisin said.
“The rising price of rental land might be the motive for the blast. Although actually, we don’t really have problems with anyone,” President Paiboon said, mulling the motive.
Deputy Commander of the Phuket Provincial Police Saneh Yawila confirmed to the Phuket Gazette that the explosion was from a civilian-made time bomb.
“At this stage, we believe that it is just a threat, rather than an attempt to take lives. The bomber, or bombers, set the detonation time for 2pm. If they had wanted to ensure bloodshed, they would have set the bomb to explode at a busier time, like lunch hour or in the evening as people were getting off work,” Col Saneh said.
Police are continuing their investigation and searching for the bomber.
“In light of this incident, we will increase security at the Provincial Hall,” Col Saneh added.
— Kritsada Mueanhawong
