Late last week, a number of explosive devices were discovered and defused by authorities at Phuket International Airport, as well as popular areas Patong Beach Promthep Cape in Phuket, as well as Krabi.
Reports say that at least two suspects are under investigation and while the motives are unclear, police claim that the devices were meant to create alarm, not cause harm.
Meanwhile, authorities have heightened screening at all entry points by land, air and sea, increased police and surveillance presence in key tourist areas.
In addition, multilingual communication systems and expanded CCTV coverage have been implemented.
“Travellers can carry on with their plans, exercise normal precautions and awareness,” Tourism Authority of Thailand TAT Director, Pichaya Saisaengchan told travelBulletin. “All airport operations, public transportation, tourist attractions, and business activities are continuing as normal.”
Both Topdeck Travel and Intrepid’s operations are continuing in Thailand right now.
Topdeck Travel General Manager Anna Fawcett confirmed that the business’ operations have not been impacted and all trips are going ahead as planned.
“We’re closely monitoring the situation and remain in contact with our local partners to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew at all times,” Fawcett told travelBulletin.
Meanwhile, Thailand is one of Intrepid’s most popular destinations, particularly in ANZ, where demand is up 35% year-to-date.
“We’re aware of last week’s incidents involving suspected explosive devices in Phuket and Krabi,” Mike Stewart, Intrepid Travel Regional General Manager, Southeast Asia told travelBulletin.
“All Intrepid travellers on the ground were accounted for and our local tour leaders have remained in close contact with them throughout. These were isolated events linked to unrest in other parts of Thailand, and with no further developments since, our operations continue as normal.”
At the moment, G Adventures has no trips operating in the areas and confirmed that all of its travellers and staff are safe.
” Our upcoming trips are planned to operate as scheduled and our local team is monitoring the situation carefully, should any itinerary updates be required,” G Adventures MD for Oceania Sean Martin told travelBulletin.
The recent bomb scares come in the midst of a border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, with land closures in place.
In response, the Thai Government has established a new agency with humanitarian authorities, security and border control to manage risks, protect the community and ensure clear communication to the public.
The group has also created a response plan to manage border activity between the countries, particularly along the seven provinces that share a border with Cambodia: Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Surin, Buri Ram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi and Trat.
Smarttraveller has advised Australians to exercise “a high degree of caution”, as there is still an ongoing risk of terrorism in the country and the security situation can be “unpredictable”.
The advisory also suggested tourists should reconsider travelling to the three most southern provinces of the Thailand-Malaysia border, including Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.
