SURIN, Thailand – Villagers in Surin province have discovered a BM-21 rocket warhead buried in a rubber plantation approximately three kilometers from the Thai-Cambodian border. The discovery occurred around 11:30 a.m. at Ban Non Mayang in Ta Miang subdistrict, Phanom Dong Rak district, where residents found a crater measuring roughly one meter wide and two meters deep.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams from the Royal Thai Police and Royal Thai Army examined the site and verified the ordnance as a BM-21 warhead. The plantation was hit on July 24 during the initial day of armed confrontations between Thai and Cambodian forces. Most villagers had evacuated during the fighting and only returned to inspect their properties after authorities declared certain districts safe for civilian access.
Family members of the plantation owner contacted the village headman upon finding the crater, who then notified officials to coordinate safe removal procedures. Authorities have established the area as a danger zone with warning signs to prevent civilian access. The warhead is scheduled for destruction on August 13, with Thai officials informing Cambodian authorities of the operation to avoid potential misunderstandings during the disposal process. (NNT)
