Popular Thai tourist hotspots targeted with fatal blasts

Over the last 24 hours, a string of co-ordinated explosions across Thailand have left 4 dead and several injured.

The multiple explosions took place across various tourist hotspots including Hua Hin, Surat Thani, Patong on Phuket Island, Trang, and Phang Nga.

Thai police have said they have detained some thought to be involved. Although there is a high threat from terrorism towards the islands, it is thought that the explosions were carried out by separate insurgents, rather than any international terror groups, however it is still unclear.

The news of the blasts will cause a blow to the Thai tourism industry, as it is believed that foreign tourists are among the victims.

Security around southern Thai airports and tourist resorts has been tightened.

The British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: “We are in close contact with local authorities and urgently seeking more information.”

The blasts have synchronized with a public holiday which is important in Thailand, as it celebrates the Queen’s birthday.

Brit’s make over 1 million trips to Thailand each year, with the FCDO stating that most of these are “trouble free.”

Hua Hin suffered the first blasts at around midnight local time. It is reported that the bombs were concealed in plant pots before they were set off by mobile phones. Following this, the areas bars and clubs evacuated and closed.

Ball-bearings were reported by Sky News to have been found around the areas of the explosions, which investigators believe were put in the bombs in order to cause as much injury as possible.

Sky News reported that Natsupa Dechapanya, an Adventure Tours guide in Hua Hin said: “This ruins business. Hotels, restaurants, tours, we were already suffering, but this, it’s going to ruin our lives.

“This is the first time this has happened in Hua Hin. We think of this as a safe town, but now everyone is fearful. We feel like we’re not safe.”

The FCDO advise that Brit’s in Thailand should “exercise extreme caution, avoid public places, and follow the advice of local authorities.”