A tragic bomb attack at a festival in Thailand has left at least three people dead and 48 others injured, including six critically. The incident occurred late Friday night during the annual Red Cross Doi Loyfa Fair in Umphang, a district in the northern Tak province near the Myanmar border.
The explosion took place just before midnight local time (23:30) as festivalgoers gathered near an outdoor stage to dance and celebrate. According to local authorities, the explosive device was thrown into the crowd and detonated at the base of the stage, causing chaos and panic. Reports suggest the bomb was an improvised explosive device (IED).
Immediate Response and Investigation
Emergency services rushed to the scene to assist the wounded. Videos circulating on social media captured harrowing scenes of festivalgoers and rescue workers tending to injured victims, some of whom required CPR. Other footage shows blood-soaked injuries and emergency responders scrambling to provide aid amidst the confusion.
Police have detained two suspects for questioning, though no formal charges have been filed. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences to the families of the victims in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). She urged authorities to expedite their investigation into the attack while instructing security forces to bolster safety at festivals nationwide.
A Community in Mourning
The Red Cross Doi Loyfa Fair, which attracts thousands of attendees each year, was in its penultimate night when the attack occurred. Between 8,000 and 9,000 people were estimated to have attended the week-long event this year, according to the Bangkok Post.
The Umphang district, where the festival was held, borders Myanmar and is part of Thailand’s northern Tak province. The area is often bustling with cultural events and tourists during this time of year.
As investigations continue, the attack has left a community reeling and raised concerns about safety measures at public gatherings.
