Fatal Bomb Attack at Thai Festival Leaves Three Dead and Scores Injured

A bomb explosion at the Red Cross Doi Loyfa fair in Thailand leads to three deaths and dozens of injuries, prompting an investigation and increased security at the festival.

At least three people lost their lives and many others were injured following an explosive attack at a festival in Thailand. The incident occurred shortly before midnight local time on Friday during the Red Cross Doi Loyfa fair, a popular annual event held in the Umphang district of northern Tak province.

Local law enforcement has confirmed that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the bombing, although formal charges have not yet been brought against them. Reports indicate that the explosion left at least 48 people injured, with six individuals in critical condition. The authorities received notification about the incident around 11:30 PM local time (16:30 GMT) on Friday.

According to the Umphang rescue team, the device was reportedly thrown and detonated near an outdoor stage where many festival attendees had gathered to dance. Casualties were swiftly transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment, and preliminary findings suggest the explosive may have been an improvised explosive device (IED).

Images from the scene reveal a chaotic aftermath, with debris littering the festive area adorned with lights. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences via social media and instructed police and security forces to thoroughly investigate the tragedy, while also enhancing police presence at all festival activities to ensure the safety of participants.

This year's Doi Loyfa fair attracted between 8,000 and 9,000 attendees, with the attack occurring on the second-to-last evening of the week-long celebration. Positioned at the southernmost point of Thailand's northern Tak province, Umphang shares a border with Myanmar to the west, highlighting the region’s strategic and sometimes turbulent geographical importance.