Surin: The government is ramping up efforts to deploy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams for continuous inspection and destruction of explosive ordnance along the Thai-Cambodian border. Residents in affected areas are advised to consult with local authorities for safety information before returning home.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office and the Thai-Cambodian Border Situation Administration Committee (TCASAC), announced that following an incident on July 23, 2015, where Cambodian forces laid landmines in border regions, Thai soldiers encountered these explosives, and Cambodian weapons were found at various border points. This has resulted in hazardous and suspicious objects lingering in public areas near residential zones. Communities in Surin and Sisaket provinces are urged to delay their return and check with district and village leaders for safety updates.
The EOD teams, consisting of military and police units, have already begun inspecting the damaged areas and have discovered several suspicious objects. Their mission is to identify, recover, and clear these unexploded ordnances to ensure public safety, which remains the top priority.
Mr. Jirayu confirmed that EOD units have been deployed to inspect and destroy remaining explosives. As of 2:00 PM on August 3, 2025, 17 areas have been cleared, with 63 areas still in need of attention. Sisaket and Surin provinces have issued urgent directives to relevant agencies to act swiftly, adhering to the highest standards of “protecting the rear areas.”
Residents are requested to stay away from border areas until further notice and to follow official government updates. Local leaders, including village headmen and security personnel, are tasked with inspecting areas and reporting any suspicious objects to authorities immediately.
In case of loud noises resembling explosions in the border district, residents are advised not to panic, as these are likely controlled detonations by officials. If drones are spotted, community leaders or security hotlines should be contacted immediately.
Chanthaburi Province has also called for cooperation from private sectors and individuals with expertise in drone detection and counteraction to help ensure safety in the region. Any suspicious objects should be reported to authorities without being moved or touched, and evacuation from risk areas should be immediate.