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Tak Province, Thailand — A community festival meant to celebrate culture and unity turned into a scene of horror on the evening of March 30, when a bomb exploded at the Red Cross Doi Loyfa fair in Umphang District, leaving three people dead and injuring more than 35 others, including women and children.
The deadly explosion occurred just as the event was hitting its peak, with hundreds in attendance enjoying local food, traditional music, and carnival games in the remote highland area near the Thai-Myanmar border. According to eyewitnesses, panic erupted as a device detonated near a stage area, sending people running for cover.
“We thought it was fireworks,” said one festival-goer. “Then people were screaming. I saw smoke, blood, people lying on the ground. It was chaos.”
Authorities have confirmed that the explosive device was homemade and hidden in a basket near a food stall close to a heavily crowded section of the fair. Forensic teams are still examining debris from the blast site as the investigation continues.
Targeted Attack in a Peaceful Region
The Umphang district is known for its peaceful rural communities and picturesque landscapes. It is also home to various ethnic minority groups and is considered one of the more tranquil corners of Thailand, far from the separatist unrest in the country’s southern provinces.
The attack has stunned both locals and officials, who say there were no credible threats or security warnings in the lead-up to the event.
“This is an unprecedented act of violence in our area,” said Governor Somchai Nuchpongsai. “We are deeply shocked and saddened. The authorities will pursue those responsible with full force.”
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Arrests and Investigation
Shortly after the incident, Thai police detained two suspects, both Thai nationals believed to be from nearby provinces. While no group has claimed responsibility, authorities are looking into whether the attack may be tied to local grievances, potential cross-border criminal activity, or copycat tactics inspired by past political violence in other parts of the country.
Police General Damrongsak Kittiprapas, Thailand’s national police chief, emphasized that the motive remains unclear. “We are not ruling anything out. We are working closely with national intelligence agencies and local leaders to uncover the reason behind this senseless act.”
Survivors are being treated at local hospitals, with several transferred to larger facilities in Chiang Mai due to the severity of their injuries. Mental health support has also been deployed to help victims and witnesses cope with the trauma.
National Response
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin condemned the attack in a public statement, calling it “an attack not only on innocent lives but on our national spirit.” He has ordered increased security measures at public gatherings nationwide, particularly in rural regions where such events often lack significant police presence.
The Red Cross, which co-sponsored the fair, also expressed deep sorrow and vowed to support victims and their families. “We stand with the people of Umphang. This was a celebration of life and resilience. To see it end in tragedy is heartbreaking,” said a spokesperson.
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Community in Mourning
Vigils have begun across Tak Province, with candles, flowers, and messages of peace laid out in town centers and temples. Buddhist monks led prayer ceremonies for the victims, as community leaders called for unity and calm in the wake of the attack.
“This is a time for compassion, not fear,” said a local elder. “We will not let this darkness take our light.”
As investigations continue and funerals begin, Thailand is left reckoning with the reality that even its most peaceful corners are not immune to the threat of sudden violence — and the resilience required to rise in its aftermath.
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