The attack occurred on the evening of December 13 at the annual fair of the Thai Red Cross, taking place in Umphang district, Tak province (northern Thailand). Police received the report at 11:30 p.m. the same day. Bags of explosives were thrown onto the stage where residents and tourists were dancing together. Witnesses said the explosion caused many people to panic and run to safety, some falling in front of the stage.
Royal Thai police spokesman Archayon Kraithong said three people were killed and 48 injured in the attack.
Fair area in Umphang district, Thailand after the attack on December 13
PHOTO: SCREENSHOT BANGKOK POST
Bangkok Post said that the Thai police and army had arrested two suspects who were 16-17 year old men, including a Thai citizen and another person identified as Jorithu, a member of a group called the Karen National Association ( KNU). Meanwhile, Thai PBS World reported on December 14 that one person arrested was a Myanmar citizen and the attack was likely an act of revenge.
During interrogation, Jorithu confessed to carrying a shoulder bag containing explosives to attack a group of opponents. Police informed that the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) and that this incident was related to conflicts between groups of teenagers at the Loy Krathong festival since November.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra sent condolences to the victims’ families and directed police and security agencies to quickly investigate the incident. Ms. Paetongtarn requested increased security measures before the upcoming festivals to ensure people’s safety.
Local officials said the above annual fair of the Red Cross is held every year in Umphang district, near the Myanmar border, with about 9,000 attendees. The event was divided into several areas and the attack targeted where people were participating in traditional dancing.
