At least three people have been killed and 48 others injured, six of them critically, following a bomb attack during a festival in Thailand’s northern Tak province.
The explosion took place late on Friday night at the Red Cross Doi Loyfa Fair in Umphang district, a popular annual event that attracts thousands of visitors. Authorities report that the bomb was thrown into a crowd near an outdoor stage where festivalgoers were dancing.
Thai police have arrested two suspects in connection with the attack, though no charges have been filed as of yet. Initial investigations suggest that the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED).
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and pledged a thorough investigation into the incident. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), she instructed law enforcement and security agencies to identify the perpetrators, provide assistance to the injured, and enhance security measures at festivals across the country.
In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, emergency responders and bystanders rushed to assist the injured. Social media footage captured the chaotic scene, showing individuals receiving CPR and others being treated for severe wounds. One video depicts a man’s trousers being cut open to reveal a bleeding leg wound, while panicked festivalgoers rush through the scene in confusion.
Images shared by the Umphang Rescue Group show the area cordoned off, with debris scattered across the ground and the scene illuminated by string lights. The explosion occurred at 11:30 pm local time (16:30 GMT), and some of the victims were quickly transported to a nearby hospital.
The Red Cross Doi Loyfa Fair, a major cultural event in the region, draws between 8,000 and 9,000 attendees each year. The attack took place on the second-to-last night of the week-long festival, which is held annually to celebrate local traditions and customs.
Umphang, located in the southernmost part of Tak province and bordering Myanmar, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant cultural festivals.
