Ubon ratchathani: Officials successfully dismantled five BM21 shells fired by Cambodian soldiers into a border village in Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. Some shells were unexploded, while others were not fully operational.
According to Thai News Agency, bomb disposal officers conducted a thorough sweep of the area, covering 24 locations across 8 villages over the past two days. They discovered five BM21 shells, some of which were unexploded. This morning, officials neutralized three of the identified locations.
The first site was along Nam Yuen Road in Na Chaluai, where roads were temporarily closed to enable safe disposal. Officers excavated the area, placed C4 into the crater left by the shell, and successfully detonated it in 20 minutes without causing injuries.
At the second site, located in a rice field along a village road, another BM21 shell had exploded but malfunctioned. Officers repeated their procedure, completing the detonation in just 10 minutes.
The third site was located behind a residential area, five kilometers from the second site. Officers had previously negotiated with the homeowner, Mr. Kai, on July 25th, for the safe disposal of the shell. The operation, which lasted about 30 minutes, ensured no damage to the property, and the government promised compensation for any potential damage. Later in the afternoon, officials also deactivated two more incomplete BM21 rounds.
At the Chong Chom border crossing in Kab Choeng District, Surin Province, the atmosphere remained calm with only military personnel present. During the recent conflict between July 24th and 29th, two Cambodian soldiers were detained in Thailand and later handed over to their counterparts. Sergeant Major Mom Ritthi, with injuries sustained during the conflict, received medical treatment, while Second Lieutenant Ang Eung was treated for a mental condition attributed to combat stress.
The Thai-Cambodian Border Liaison Unit oversaw the transfer of these soldiers under humanitarian principles, with assurances from the soldiers that they would not engage in further combat against Thai forces. Meanwhile, 18 other soldiers remain under investigation and are awaiting repatriation to Cambodia.
Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office, clarified that the detained Cambodian soldiers had violated Thai sovereignty in Sisaket Province. The Thai military, adhering to international and humanitarian standards, has provided necessary care for these soldiers, countering Cambodian claims of abduction as false.
Reporters noted the quiet in border villages near Prasat Ta Kwai, with residents yet to return from shelters. To maintain security, Village Defense Volunteers and village headmen have established checkpoints, requiring ID verification to prevent unauthorized entry and ensure safety.