PHATTHALUNG: In a disconcerting turn of events, the chief of Khuan Khanun Police Station has issued an urgent directive to locate the individual responsible for hurling a ping-pong bomb into a hospital during the night. The incident, which unfolded at Khuan Khanun Hospital, sent shockwaves through the staff and patients.
According to Thai News Agency, the alarming event occurred at approximately 12:15 a.m. when the authorities at Khuan Khanun Police Station were alerted to the situation by hospital staff. The attack caused widespread panic and consternation among those present at the healthcare facility.
Mr. Naris Maneechote, a stretcher worker at the hospital, recounted the moments of fear that ensued following the explosion. He described hearing a deafening noise while at the hospital counter, prompting everyone to take cover on the floor. Initially fearing gunfire, Mr. Maneechote later discovered smoke emanating near the oxygen tank storage building. Upon investigation, shrapnel from a ping-pong bomb was found strewn across the area, perilously close to critical hospital infrastructure. Fortunately, no injuries or significant damage were reported, but the incident highlighted the potential for a catastrophic accident, particularly given the proximity to the oxygen tanks.
The incident has also drawn attention to a troubling trend during the New Year's festival period, with reports indicating that groups of teenagers have been causing disturbances in the region by using ping-pong bombs. These activities have been a source of continuous noise and disruption throughout Phatthalung Province.
This morning, Pol. Col. Sakariya Yusoh, Superintendent of the Khuan Khanun Police Station, led an investigative team to reassess the scene. Their findings suggested that the bomb was launched approximately 10 meters into the hospital grounds from an exterior wall. Although no physical damage was recorded, the act was deemed highly inappropriate due to its proximity to sensitive equipment. Pol. Col. Yusoh has instructed the team to expedite the review of CCTV footage to identify and apprehend those responsible, with the intention of pursuing legal action against them.