Authorities dismiss Koh Pha-ngan terrorist threat as ‘fake news’
Surat Thani police chief allays tourists’ fears after report on terrorist plot targeting Israelis
Local Thai officials on Wednesday dismissed as “fake news” an unconfirmed report of a planned terrorist attack targeting Israeli nationals in Koh Pha-ngan, the famous resort island where the ‘Full Moon Party’ is being held every month.
The Koh Pha-ngan district office and Surat Thani provincial police on Wednesday affirmed that there was no terrorist threat to tourists visiting the southern island.
Nopphadol Khaomali, chief of Koh Pha-ngan district in the southern province of Surat Thani, said at a press conference on Wednesday that officials had investigated a report on social media about terrorists planning attacks against Israeli nationals in Thailand and found it to be fake news.
The report had claimed that the planned attacks are meant to be a revenge for the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah and Gaza-based Hamas groups.
Surat Thani police chief Pol Maj-General Sermpan Sirikong said police and security officers had increased patrolling and surveillance to ensure tourists’ safety during the Full Moon Party this month, which will be held on Loy Krathong Day (November 15).
“Visitors to Koh Pha-ngan can rest assured that the island is safe, as police and related officials will be monitoring the event closely tomorrow to ensure the safety of locals and all tourists,” he said.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said that the Embassy of Israel in Thailand had confirmed that the Israeli government had not issued any travel advisory to its citizens against travelling to or residing in Thailand as claimed by the report.
He also commented on another report, which claimed that Interpol had warned that a group, which was behind the attempt to assassinate US president-elect Donald Trump, had fled to Thailand.
“Thailand is a neutral country with balanced relations with other countries. It is common for people to come and go, especially during the tourist season when there is a high volume of visitors. Warnings and advisories in such situations are also normal,” said Phumtham.
“Thai security units are always on high alert to ensure the safety of all citizens and visitors to the kingdom,” the minister affirmed.
