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State security agencies have increased their efforts to clear explosives in Trat and Buri Ram after being targeted by Cambodian artillery during the conflict between December 7 and 27 last year, as concerns about potential resumption of border tensions remain.

Members of the Royal Thai Navy’s diving team and the Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units, in collaboration with the Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC) and local police from Trat province, conducted disposal activities in Ban Nong Ree, Muang district, Trat on Thursday.

A 300-meter safety zone was put in place, as community leaders requested locals to pause agricultural work for a while.

The group uncovered a shell crater near a concrete road with the help of large equipment, and following over two hours of work, they retrieved just pieces that were later recognized as shrapnel from a 122mm artillery shell launched from beyond the border.

A second location, approximately 500 meters away close to a durian tree, produced over 10 fragments, with three pieces joining to verify the same type of ammunition.

The owner of the durian farm, Manit Nakhiran, remembered almost being injured on the day of the bombing.

I had gone back to water my durian trees following the evacuation orders. All of a sudden, there was a loud explosion above me, then silence,” he said. “When I noticed the shell had landed in my orchard, I left right away.

Village leader Napatchara Rattanawan mentioned that at least 28 shell craters have been documented in Ban Nong Ree because of the recent fighting. “We are still unable to determine if there are additional ones, as some could be concealed or have landed in ponds,” she stated, encouraging locals to examine all areas of their property and report any unusual discoveries.

In Buri Ram, the provincial police EOD units have maintained a thorough search for undetonated rockets and mortar shells after the conflicts that took place in Ban Kruat district between December 7 and 27. The operation covers rubber plantations, cassava and sugarcane fields, forests, and public water sources.

Village security volunteer Somwien Suksit mentioned that locals have grown more watchful. “Individuals are inspecting their own properties, particularly rubber plantations where rockets were predominantly found,” he stated.

Senior Sergeant Major Withit Selarak, an OED officer, stated that authorities have so far discovered 158 detonated munitions and five undetonated rockets, including BM-21 multiple-launch rockets, in the tambon of Chanthob Petch and Sai Taku within the Ban Kruat district.

“If the villagers discover anything, they must adhere to three guidelines: avoid touching it, note the location, and report it right away,” he cautioned.

The findings have increased worry among people living near the border, with many having their possessions ready in case of more conflict.

Some locals stated that in the event of renewed fighting, the armed forces and authorities should handle the issue firmly to remove the danger, cautioning that unaddressed conflict could keep neighborhoods in constant fear.

Khruawan Inon, 35, a local from tambon Chanthob Phet, whose house is located within two kilometers of the border, mentioned that she has had difficulty sleeping since coming back home.

“We are worried about a third conflict because we don’t trust Cambodia’s actions,” she stated, noting that her family has prepared emergency items for quick departure.

Another inhabitant, Phom Chaiyam, 61, mentioned that she still feels anxious and scared, not knowing when another relocation might be required.

She mentioned that families were worn out due to ongoing interruptions and the challenges of escaping with their children and grandchildren.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).