Bomb Scare in Udon Thani: Abandoned 81mm Mortar Found in Toilet

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of EOD 

 

Residents of a neighbourhood in Udon Thani were left in shock after a cleaning crew discovered an 81mm mortar bomb hidden in the toilet of an abandoned house. Authorities were alerted, and bomb disposal experts successfully removed and neutralized the device.

 

At approximately 10:00 on December 17, Pol Lt Sathaporn Sawasdee of Muang Udon Thani Police Station received a report of a suspected explosive device at a two-story house located in Jakraphong Alley, Asawamit Road, Udon Thani Municipality. Bomb disposal officers (EOD) were dispatched to the scene immediately.

 

The house, unoccupied for years and overgrown with vegetation, was being cleaned by a team of four workers from a private cleaning company. Mr. Kongrit Ditthacharoen, 35, a cleaner from Sinsapjem Asset Company, recounted the shocking discovery. “We were clearing out trash and weeds when I noticed the object in the bathroom. At first, I wasn’t sure, but after a closer look, I realised it was a bomb. I quickly informed my supervisor to call the authorities. I’ve never encountered anything like this before, and I don’t want to see it again.”

 

The bomb, an 81mm mortar shell, was carefully examined by EOD officers who moved it to a sand-filled containment unit for further inspection and destruction. Local residents gathered nearby as the operation unfolded.

 

Mr. Suwannachart Saenrak, 40, the cleaning crew supervisor, explained that the company had been tasked with cleaning and preparing the property for renovation after its recent purchase. “We were shocked to find such a dangerous item on our first day here. The previous owner had long vacated the house, and we had no idea what might be left inside.”

 

Mr. Suphap Thitipas, 79, a neighbour, expressed his alarm. “The old owner ran an automotive decoration business and let employees live in the house before it was abandoned. It’s terrifying to think a bomb was hidden there all this time. What if it had exploded?”

 

Authorities suspect the mortar shell may have been left behind by a previous occupant, possibly as a collectible or hidden intentionally. Given the house’s long period of vacancy, it is also possible that someone later stored the device there to avoid legal repercussions. Police are continuing their investigation to determine its origin.

 

-- 2024-12-18

 

[hotchilli]

9 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Mr. Suphap Thitipas, 79, a neighbour, expressed his alarm. “The old owner ran an automotive decoration business and let employees live in the house before it was abandoned. It’s terrifying to think a bomb was hidden there all this time. What if it had exploded?”

New karzi required.

[PETERTHEEATER]

It's not an 81mm Mortar bomb it's an air dropped practice bomb. BDU 33

https://cat-uxo.com/explosive-hazards/aircraft-bombs/bdu-33-aircraft-bomb-practice

[still kicking]

How many times do they clean the toilets?

[Homburg]

On 12/18/2024 at 3:10 PM, still kicking said:

How many times do they clean the toilets?

 

Clean the toilets? This is Thailand!