Suspected Deep South bomb truck found in Phuket Town
PHUKET: Bomb disposal experts this morning are inspecting a pickup truck that was found parked in front of Phuket City Police Station with two gas cylinders in the back seat connected by electrical wires.
Officers discovered the pickup truck on Saturday while clearing the police station car park for the annual police assembly held each year to launch the new year’s security detail.
“No one present claimed to be the owner, so we had the vehicle moved to the back of the station,” Provincial Police Commander Ong-art Phiewruangnont told the Phuket Gazette.
“A day passed and nobody contacted us about the vehicle, so officers searched it and found two 15kg gas tanks in the back seat covered by a piece of cloth,” he added.
Experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit have since had the pickup moved to an isolated quarry in Chalong.
“The EOD officers are now thoroughly inspecting the two gas tanks and the wires connecting them. At this stage, I have yet to be informed what gas – if any – the tanks contain. We will announce more details as soon as we learn more,” Maj Gen Ong-art said.
The pickup truck was reported stolen from a province in the Deep South, the commander confirmed.
“The vehicle was also fitted with stolen license plates. We are still investigating this,” he said.
At 7:30pm last night, Phuket Police and officers from the EOD held a meeting at Phuket City Police.
No reporters were allowed to attend. The officers left the room after 30 minutes, but released no information about the meeting.
— Kritsada Mueanhawong
