BANGKOK, Thailand – The Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC) has concluded an 11-day clearance operation along the Thai–Cambodian border, neutralizing 483 explosive items across four provinces. Conducted from August 1 to 11, the mission involved 15 TMAC operational teams working with Royal Thai Police explosive ordnance disposal units. The joint forces assisted the Suranaree Task Force and Provincial Police Region 3 in locating, recovering, and destroying munitions left behind from past cross-border attacks.
TMAC Director-General Gen Saksit Saengchanin oversaw operations in Surin province, where nine squads from Humanitarian Mine Action Units 1 to 4 were deployed. Operating from the Suranaree Task Force’s field engineer base in Prasat district, the teams cleared BM-21 rockets, artillery shells, mortar rounds, and other hazardous devices from former conflict zones.
By province, Buri Ram recorded 95 items cleared, including 36 BM-21 rockets and 36 artillery shells. Surin saw the highest count with 234 items, among them 206 BM-21 rockets. Sisaket yielded 120 items, while Ubon Ratchathani accounted for 35 BM-21 rockets, though its reported total of 34 items suggested a possible reporting error.
Safety measures were also reinforced in affected communities. Public awareness campaigns warned residents about anti-personnel mines such as PMN-2 and POMZ, anti-tank mines, and unexploded heavy weapons, including RPGs, artillery shells, and mortar rounds. Authorities urged civilians to avoid handling suspicious objects and immediately alert local security forces.
TMAC’s work continues in high-risk areas where missiles and heavy ordnance still threaten lives and delay the return of displaced families. Security forces remain active along the border, working to restore safe access to farmland and villages once scarred by conflict. (NNT)
