Airport authorities at Phuket International Airport were alerted on May 6 after a suspicious suitcase belonging to a foreign tourist was flagged at the domestic terminal’s oversized baggage checkpoint. The suitcase, which was overweight, was found to contain items resembling military-grade explosives, leading officials to summon the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.
Upon inspection, the EOD unit identified the contents as one 81mm mortar round, one 60mm mortar round, one unidentified mine, and two semi-circular components believed to be parts of explosive devices. The items were seized immediately for further analysis.
The passenger, identified as Peter, a 61-year-old Australian citizen, was taken into custody at the airport. He told police the objects were kept as souvenirs but did not specify where or how he had obtained them. The possession of such items is considered a criminal offense under Thai law, which prohibits civilians from owning ammunition that cannot be registered with the authorities.
Peter was charged with illegal possession of unregistered explosive materials and handed over to investigators for legal processing. The case is being handled by the Saku Police Station. Officials involved in the operation included Police Lieutenant Kornphumipot Pongpaiboon and Police Colonel Salan Santisasanakul. The incident was first reported by Khaosod English.