Thailand: Assailants arrested following late Dec. 13 bomb attack in Umphang District

Assailants detonated an explosive device in a crowd at the Red Cross Doi Loyfa fair in the Umphang District in Tak Province at approximately 23:30 Dec. 13. The blast killed three people and injured 48 others. As of the afternoon of Dec.14, two teenage suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident. The suspects have been identified as a Thai national and a member of the Karen National Union (KNU). The KNU suspect was previously charged with a drug-related offense. The KNU is a political organization linked to the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) in Myanmar. Officials have stated that the attack was linked to a conflict between rival teenage crime gangs. Officials have further indicated that there is no wider or ongoing threat.

Officials will almost certainly maintain heightened security at mass gatherings in the district and wider province over the near term. Security is already elevated at cultural events and additional resources could be deployed in light of the recent event.