Tejal Somvanshi
Australia has issued a travel warning for Thailand following the discovery of explosive devices in popular tourist areas. The warning, posted on the Smartraveller website on June 27, 2025, highlights an “ongoing risk of terrorism” in Thailand.
Security officials found explosive devices near Phuket International Airport and in the provinces of Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga last week. Thai authorities have since arrested suspects allegedly linked to the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), a separatist group that has been active in Thailand’s deep southern provinces for decades.
The Australian government now advises travelers to “exercise a high degree of caution” throughout Thailand. For the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, the advice is more serious – Australians should “reconsider your need to travel” to these areas due to insurgent activity.
Phuket International Airport has increased security measures, and travelers are advised to arrive early for their flights. The warning follows a wider pattern of security concerns in Thailand, where the BRN has historically focused its activities in the Muslim-majority southern provinces bordering Malaysia.
Thai officials have attempted to downplay the threat. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat stated that the suspicious items found “were meant to create panic rather than cause harm.” Military sources indicated the devices were designed to disrupt tourism rather than inflict casualties.
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Greg Raymond, a Thailand expert from the Australian National University, expressed skepticism about BRN involvement in tourist areas, noting that such activity would be unusual for the group whose operations typically remain in the deep south.
The warning comes at a challenging time for Thailand’s tourism industry, which is a vital part of the country’s economy. Alongside the terrorism warning, Australia has also cautioned about political unrest in Thailand, with recent protests in Bangkok calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
For travelers heading to Thailand, the advice includes staying alert in public places, avoiding protests and political demonstrations, being cautious of food and drink spiking, and following advice from local authorities. The Australian Embassy in Bangkok and Consulate-General in Phuket can provide emergency assistance if needed.
The UK and New Zealand have issued similar warnings, showing a consistent international assessment of the security situation in Thailand.
