UXO Clearance Continues Near Thai-Cambodian Border

BURIRAM, Aug 4 (TNA) – Thai authorities are continuing to clear unexploded ordnance (UXO), including BM-21 rockets from Cambodia, in communities along the Thai-Cambodian border. This comes as officials also assess damage from recent hostilities.

The 2nd Army Area Forward Command reported yesterday that Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams have cleared 17 areas of unexploded rockets, with 63 areas remaining. EOD police are diligently locating suspected impact sites in populated areas. While most rockets in villages have been recovered, residents have reported unusual findings in agricultural fields, posing a challenge for search teams.

Chatchai Srisanok, Buriram’s Provincial Agricultural Officer, expressed particular concern for sugarcane fields. Their dense nature makes visual detection of UXO difficult. He warned that using heavy machinery for harvesting could trigger hidden explosives, urging careful observation.

Casualties and Healthcare Impact

Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachan stated that the conflict has resulted in 17 fatalities and 38 injuries to date.

A significant number of healthcare facilities have also been affected. Out of 20 hospitals, only 4 are currently operating normally, while 10 are partially open. Unfortunately, 7 hospitals remain completely closed.

The impact also extends to Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals (HPH), with 149 facilities affected. While 33 of these are operating normally and 11 are partially open, a concerning 105 HPH facilities remain closed.

The number of people in temporary shelters has decreased to 26,880. – 819 (TNA)