At least three people were killed and 39 others injured in an explosion at a festival in western Thailand, according to media reports on Saturday.
An unknown individual allegedly threw an improvised explosive device near a dance stage, according to the reports.
The incident is said to have occurred in the Tak province near the border with Myanmar. The motives behind the act were initially unclear.
The attack took place shortly before midnight local time on Friday at the Red Cross Doi Loyfa fair, held annually in the Umphang district in the northern Tak province.
Two suspects are being held in custody, but no charges have been pressed, the Associated Press and local media report, citing Thai police.
In a statement, the Umphang rescue team said the explosive was thrown and landed at the foot of an outdoor stage where people had been dancing.
Some of the wounded were taken to a nearby hospital, it added. Several reports suggest the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED).
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences to the victims’ families on the social media platform X. She stated that she has directed the police and security authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
According to the Bangkok Post, between 8,000 and 9,000 people attended the week-long festival this year. (Agencies)
