Authorities in Thailand’s southern province of Pattani are investigating a suspected homemade bomb discovered in the women’s restroom of a local bus terminal on the morning of February 5, following a series of explosive incidents at petrol stations earlier in the week.
The alert came after three devices were found at two petrol stations on February 3 and 4. Bomb disposal teams are currently examining the item to confirm whether it is an improvised explosive and to ensure safe removal. Security forces immediately evacuated the terminal, cordoned off the area, and deployed Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists along with police dogs to conduct thorough inspections.
Officials suspect the device may have been planted by Muslim insurgents ahead of the month of Ramadan. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to identify those responsible.
The petrol station incidents began on the night of February 3, when staff discovered suspicious objects hidden in toilet bowls at two locations. One device was successfully neutralised on site. The following morning, a third device was found in a water tank inside a restroom at a station in Talubo.
While attempting to defuse these devices at around 9:15 am on February 4, one bomb detonated, leaving EOD officer Police Corporal Phichitphaan Vechachivi with severe injuries to his right hand.
Security sources have described the recovered devices as “trap” bombs – small, timed explosives concealed in zip-lock bags – specifically designed to target first responders. One of the devices was reportedly set to detonate on February 14, Valentine’s Day.
These incidents follow a spate of bombings in southern Thailand, including a January 11 attack that injured four people at 11 petrol stations across Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala provinces. While all victims were hospitalised, none sustained life-threatening injuries. Authorities continue to heighten security measures in the region as investigations proceed.
