At least three people were killed and dozens injured after an explosive device was thrown into a crowd at the Red Cross Doi Loyfa fair in Thailand’s northern Tak province late Friday night.
The attack occurred shortly before midnight local time in Umphang district, where the annual festival was underway. Two suspects have been detained, but no charges have been filed, according to Thai police and local media.
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Authorities report that at least 48 people were injured, with six in critical condition. Emergency services were alerted to the incident at around 11:30 PM local time (16:30 GMT).
The Umphang rescue team stated that the explosive was thrown near an outdoor stage where festivalgoers were dancing. Many of the injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Preliminary reports suggest the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED).
Videos circulating on social media show chaotic scenes of emergency responders and bystanders aiding the wounded.
One clip depicts two individuals receiving CPR, while another shows a severe leg wound being treated.
Photos shared by the rescue team show the aftermath, with the festival grounds cordoned off and littered with debris.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences to the victims and their families in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
She has ordered a full investigation into the attack and directed security agencies to provide support to those affected. Additionally, she called for increased police presence at festival events nationwide.
The week-long festival in Umphang, which drew between 8,000 and 9,000 attendees this year, was nearing its conclusion when the attack occurred. The district, located in the southernmost part of Tak province, borders Myanmar to the west.
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