Phuket beefs up security after Provincial Hall explosion

PHUKET: Local officials laid out plans for increased security at government offices and popular Phuket locations as police continue their investigation into the bomb that exploded at Provincial Hall on August 1 (story here).

The meeting follows National Police Office adviser Ratchata Yensuang’s visit to Phuket to learn more about the non-fatal explosion in the parking lot of Phuket Provincial Hall (map here).

“We believe the explosion was not meant to kill anyone, but was instead intended to be a threat,” said Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut.

“We have ordered Civil Defense Volunteers to be more strict in keeping an eye on every vehicle that enters and exits the Provincial Hall compound,” he explained. “As always, we will also be relying on our network of Civil Defense Volunteers to supply us with security information.”

Ideally, rolling checkpoints among government offices and densely populated areas in Phuket Town will be established, Deputy Commander of Phuket Provincial Police Peerayuth Karajedee said.

“We’ll be looking for weapons, drugs and other illegal items,” Col Peerayuth said.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong