Cambodian Wildfire Spreads Near Thai Marine Ranger Base, Over 50 Explosions Reported

Pictures courtesy of Marine Rangers.

A wildfire originating in Cambodia has escalated into a critical situation as flames spread dangerously close to Marine Ranger Company 534 in Ban Chamrak, Mueang District, Trat Province. Authorities are urgently reinforcing firebreaks and maintaining a high state of alert to prevent further encroachment.

The fire, which began more than two weeks ago in Ban Chomuy, Veing Véal District, Pursat Province, Cambodia, has now advanced to just 1 kilometre from the Thai marine ranger base, with Chamrak Canal serving as the last natural barrier. Strong morning winds on 30:January, accelerated the spread of the flames, causing multiple explosions, over 50 blasts, as the fire consumed dry vegetation and trees, setting off blasts from discarded unexploded ordinance. 

Thai Marine Rangers have been working tirelessly to establish firebreaks to contain the blaze, battling thick smoke that now engulfs the Chamrak Canal area.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Tinawat Nanthiyaphaiboon, commander of Marine Ranger Company 534, has coordinated with the Chamrak Subdistrict Municipality, ensuring that fire trucks are on standby should the fire breach the defensive lines.

Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Sunan Waiyakun has been monitoring the situation closely and has urged residents to wear face masks outdoors due to deteriorating air quality caused by heavy smoke from the wildfire.

Captain Chaiyarat Kamphirom, head of the 3rd Marine Ranger Control Unit, confirmed that the fire originated from forest-burning activities in Cambodia, which have now spread across multiple border areas. Thai authorities are currently engaged in cross-border discussions via the Joint Border Committee (JBC) and Regional Border Committee (RBC) to establish long-term measures to prevent wildfires along the Thai-Cambodian border.

Thai authorities continue to monitor the fire closely to prevent it from reaching the marine ranger base or nearby civilian communities. Firefighting teams remain on high alert, prepared to take further action should the situation worsen.

-- 2025-01-31