Swedish Man Detained After Explosive Alert at Udon Thani Airport
UDON THANI, April 17, 2025 — A Swedish national was detained for questioning after explosive precursor materials triggered an alarm at Udon Thani International Airport, prompting a bomb squad response and temporary airport disruption.
Eric, 58, was en route from Udon Thani to Bangkok on AirAsia flight FD 4353 when he left luggage behind at Terminal 2, sparking suspicion. Airport Director Thipawan Wangsanuwat immediately notified Udon Thani City Police, and CCTV footage confirmed the bag belonged to the Swedish passenger.
Upon Eric’s arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, he was located and detained for questioning after the bag tested positive for Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP)—a highly sensitive explosive precursor. The airport’s EOD Unit 23, along with K9 teams, deployed a Taylor Tank Bomb device as a precautionary containment measure.
After an extensive search, officials found no actual explosives or illegal substances. The bag contained only used clothes and dried Thai herbs, including butterfly pea flowers, roselle, and bael fruit.
Eric later explained he had abandoned the bag due to last-minute travel issues. Authorities believe the positive detection could have resulted from environmental contamination, such as exposure to firework residue, sound and light shows, or Isan rocket festivals, known to use similar chemical compounds.
Officials confirmed all security protocols were properly followed, and the airport returned to normal operations once the scene was cleared.
