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Malaysia-registered phone could provide leads to Thai bombings

PETALING JAYA — Malaysian police are helping their Thai counterparts track down the owner of a mobile phone used to detonate one of the bombs in Phuket during a series of attacks in southern Thailand last Thursday (Aug 11).

Rescue workers attending to a victim after an explosion in Hua Hin yesterday. The town, south of Bangkok, is widely revered by Thais because of its connection to the royal family, who have a palace there. Photo: AFP

Rescue workers attending to a victim after an explosion in Hua Hin yesterday. The town, south of Bangkok, is widely revered by Thais because of its connection to the royal family, who have a palace there. Photo: AFP

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PETALING JAYA — Malaysian police are helping their Thai counterparts track down the owner of a mobile phone used to detonate one of the bombs in Phuket during a series of attacks in southern Thailand last Thursday (Aug 11).

The device recovered from the blast scene by Thai authorities had a Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) label and serial number.

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar confirmed that police had received details of the phone and SIM card from the Thai police and were tracking down the phone dealer and buyer.

Bukit Aman Special Branch director Mohamad Fuzi Harun also said police received an official letter from Thailand with details of the phone.

“We are working with MCMC and will also be assisting the Thai police as we understand this could be a vital lead in their investigations,” he said.

Mr Mohamad Fuzi said police had yet to establish if the owner of the mobile phone was a Malaysian or a foreigner who purchased it from here.

The MCMC labels became mandatory in June last year to show a device has met the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000.

MCMC senior director Aisharuddin Nuruddin told Malay Mail on Sunday the labels could help them track down suppliers and buyers of devices.

“We have a system. Our technology department can track a phone to its supplier using a label. Our enforcement department can then find the buyer,” he said, refusing to comment on the investigation.

Bernama quoted a source as saying on Saturday that although the serial number was visible, it would not be easy to trace the owner because the phone might have changed hands several times.

Thailand was on edge after 11 bombs exploded across five southern provinces on Thursday night and Friday morning, killing four Thais and wounding more than 30 people, including foreign tourists.

Handphones were used to detonate the self-made bombs in the popular tourist towns of Hua Hin, 200km south of Bangkok, Patong beach at Phuket, Surat Thani and Trang.

It is not yet clear who carried out the attacks, but officials stressed it was a local act of sabotage and not terrorism.

The attacks came days after a referendum was held in which the Thais approved a new constitution that critics say will bolster the power of the military, which has ruled the country since a May 2014 coup, for years to come.

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said political opponents of the military junta could be behind the attacks.

No one has claimed responsibility for any of the 11 bombings. MALAY MAIL ONLINE

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