A tragic explosion rocked the Red Cross Doi Loyfa fair in Thailand’s Umphang district just before midnight on Friday. The blast claimed three lives and injured dozens more, with six in critical condition.
The explosive, likely an improvised explosive device (IED), was thrown near an outdoor stage where festival-goers were dancing. The incident occurred at 23:30 local time (16:30 GMT), causing chaos and panic among the attendees. Two suspects are currently in custody, but no charges have been pressed yet, according to Thai police and local media reports.
At least 48 people were wounded in the blast, with some being rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The Umphang rescue team, in a statement, mentioned that the explosive landed at the foot of the stage, adding to the devastation. Images shared by the rescue team show debris scattered across the festival grounds, illuminated by festive lights.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the bombing in a heartfelt post on X. She has ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion and directed security agencies to assist those affected. Additionally, she has called for an increase in police presence at all festival events to ensure safety.
The Red Cross Doi Loyfa fair, an annual event, attracts thousands of visitors each year. This year, between 8,000 and 9,000 people attended the week-long festival, which was in its final days when the attack occurred. The fair is held in Umphang, the southernmost district in Thailand’s northern Tak province, which shares a border with Myanmar to the west.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence.
