Explosives thrown in the middle of a Thai fair injures more than 50 people

Bangkok Post reported on December 14 that Thai police had just arrested two teenage suspects after an explosive attack at an annual fair left more than 50 people dead or injured.

The attack occurred on the evening of December 13 at the annual Thai Red Cross fair in Umphang district, Tak province (northern Thailand). Police received a report at 11:30 p.m. the same day. The explosive bag was thrown onto the stage where locals and tourists were dancing together. Witnesses said the explosion caused many people to panic and run to safety, some of them fell in front of the stage.

Royal Thai police spokesman Archayon Kraithong said three people were killed and 48 injured in the attack.

The fair area in Umphang district, Thailand after the attack on December 13.

PHOTO: BANGKOK POST SCREENSHOT

The Bangkok Post reported that Thai police and military arrested two suspects, a 16-17 year old male, including a Thai citizen and another identified as Jorithu, a member of a group called the Karen National Union (KNU). Meanwhile, Thai PBS World reported on December 14 that one of the arrested people was a Myanmar citizen and the attack was likely an act of revenge.

During interrogation, Jorithu confessed that he had carried a backpack containing explosives to attack a rival group. Police said the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) and that the incident was related to a conflict between groups of teenagers at the Loy Krathong festival in November.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has sent his condolences to the families of the victims and instructed police and security agencies to quickly investigate the incident. Ms. Paetongtarn has ordered increased security measures ahead of upcoming festivals to ensure public safety.

The annual Red Cross fair is held in Umphang district, near the Myanmar border, and is attended by about 9,000 people. The event is divided into several zones and the attack targeted a place where people were participating in traditional dances, local officials said.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nem-chat-no-lam-hon-50-nguoi-thuong-vong-giua-hoi-cho-thai-lan-185241214153955466.htm