Explosive ‘Souvenirs’ Land Australian Tourist in Trouble at Phuket Airport
PHUKET — An Australian tourist is in hot water after attempting to check in luggage containing what appeared to be explosive devices at Phuket International Airport, prompting a swift response from police and a bomb disposal unit.
The incident occurred on May 6 when Ms. Pakhanat Dumlak, an oversized baggage inspector at the domestic terminal, flagged suspicious items during routine screening. She alerted Police Lt. Kornphumipot Pongpaiboon of the Saku Police Station, leading to the involvement of Airport Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists.
Upon investigation, officers found that Mr. Peter, a 61-year-old Australian national, was the owner of the suspicious bag. The contents, initially feared to be live ammunition and explosive devices, included objects resembling mines, bullets, and explosive components.
Police Colonel Salan Santisasanakul, superintendent of Saku Police Station, oversaw the operation as EOD officers carefully examined the items. Authorities later determined that while the items appeared dangerous, they were deactivated munitions and inert replicas—apparently collected as souvenirs by the tourist.
Mr. Peter told police he had purchased the items during his travels and was unaware that transporting them, even as deactivated replicas, could violate Thai aviation and security laws.
He now faces possible charges for possession and transport of prohibited items, and authorities are reviewing whether he violated airport safety and customs regulations.
Officials urged travelers to check airline and airport policies before carrying potentially sensitive or dangerous-looking items, even if they are non-functional. The case remains under investigation.
