Phanom dong rak: Throughout the day, EOD teams inspected the area along the conflict line in Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province, finding over 140 explosives and artillery shells in 34 locations. While the smell of the Cambodian soldiers' corpses has not yet affected the Thai side, local residents confirmed the smell is real.
According to Thai News Agency, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team of the 21st Border Patrol Police and the Phanom Dong Rak Provincial Police, along with the National Mine Action Center (TMAC), inspected the area along the clash line in Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province, after the clashes had calmed down. They found over 140 explosives and artillery shells in 34 locations.
The head of the bomb disposal team stated that most of the bombs had already detonated, with only seven locations still being cleared. However, officials were unable to reach some locations due to their proximity to the border and the potential for misunderstanding among soldiers from both sides who were still stationed in the area. Furthermore, the muddy terrain meant that some of the bombs were buried deep within the area, making clearing the location difficult. Therefore, they were only able to erect a fence with symbols to indicate safety and prevent people from approaching.
The news team then traveled to the area to speak with villagers still living in the conflict zone. During the recent heavy fighting, a bomb fell in a garden next to a house. The force of the shrapnel created a large hole in the ground, uprooted trees, and damaged houses.
Villagers say this is the second time they've experienced war in their lives, and it's more severe than in 2011. The explosions are louder and more violent than before. They also remain home out of concern for their pets and property, so they've only allowed family members to evacuate. They're sacrificing their time to care for the area. They also don't believe rumors, preferring to listen only to government officials and community leaders, and are closely monitoring GBC meetings. However, they want things to return to normal due to the loss of income and the difficulty of living.
Today, the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters issued a strong statement condemning the Cambodian military for abandoning the bodies of its soldiers in the conflict zone without proper disposal, resulting in a foul odor. The statement, which it called inhumane and a serious violation of international law, further questioned the Cambodian government's decision to question whether Cambodia truly loved and respected its soldiers, or whether it was merely seeking personal gain and abandoning the bodies of its own deceased.
In response to this incident, the news team traveled to the area near Prasat Ta Kwai to face the clashes. Upon arrival, however, they found the atmosphere in the village to be calm. Villagers were living their lives as usual, with no signs of illness or negative effects, as reported in the news.
Community leaders and many villagers unanimously confirmed that they had not yet smelled a rotting corpse in the area. To smell it, one must walk deep into the forest, near the clash site known as Prasat Ta Kwai, which is a restricted area and far from the village line.
However, an inspection revealed that the remains of soldiers were indeed found in the front line of the battle. Although the smell has not yet spread to disturb the villagers and there are no signs of an epidemic, the villagers remain vigilant.