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Thai police detain suspects after bomb kills three and injures dozens more

At least 48 people were hurt in the incident in Tak province.

An explosive device was thrown into a crowd during an annual festival in Umphang, Tak province (Umphang Rescue via AP)
An explosive device was thrown into a crowd during an annual festival in Umphang, Tak province (Umphang Rescue via AP) (AP)

Thai police said two suspects are in custody as authorities investigate a bombing in the north that killed at least three people and injured dozens more.

An explosive device was thrown into a crowd during an outdoor performance at an annual festival in Umphang town in Tak province, which borders Myanmar, just after midnight on Friday, according to the Association of the Umphang Rescue Groups.

Local police said at least 48 people were injured and that police have not yet pressed charges against the suspects as the investigation is ongoing.

Dozens of people were hurt (Umphang Rescue via AP)
Dozens of people were hurt (Umphang Rescue via AP) (AP)

Thanathip Sawangsang, a spokesperson for the Defence Ministry, said there had been a fight between rival groups of men before the explosion and that there was no wider security threat. He said the forensic evidence showed that the explosive device was a homemade bomb.

Tak province has a heavy military presence in its border areas, including in Umphang.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences to the victims and their families, and ordered security personnel and relevant agencies in the area to investigate and help those who have been affected.