EOD Officers Recover 45 Military-Grade Explosives Dumped by Roadside in Chanthaburi

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek.

Bomb disposal experts were called into action after a shocking discovery of 45 pieces of military ordnance abandoned in a sack by the roadside in Khao Khitchakut District, Chanthaburi.

At around 09:00 on 19 April, officers from Khao Khitchakut Police Station received a report from local residents about a suspicious box dumped along the Khakim–Khlong Pong road in Moo 4, Chanthakhlem Subdistrict. Upon inspection, the box was found to contain dozens of explosive devices, prompting an immediate call to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit from Chanthaburi Provincial Police.

The area was cordoned off for public safety as EOD officers conducted a careful assessment. Inside the box, they discovered 42 rounds of M79 grenades (also referred to as 10 cm mortars) and 3 rounds of 60 mm mortar shells. All of the explosives were identified as having previously been used but failed to detonate, commonly referred to as “dud” rounds. Despite being inert, the presence of explosive material inside made them extremely dangerous to handle.

The EOD team safely secured the munitions using sand-filled containers to reduce the risk of accidental detonation during transport. The recovery operation was completed by 12:00 noon.

According to Pol. Sub Lt. Thanwa Wongnum of the EOD unit, while the fuses of the explosives had been destroyed, the explosive charges within were still active and posed a serious threat. He urged the public never to touch or attempt to collect such items. “If you see any suspicious objects or suspected explosives, report them immediately to authorities. Do not pick them up or try to sell them, not only is it illegal, but it could cost you your life,” he warned.

The recovered ordnance is being transferred to the Royal Thai Navy’s training ground, Field TR.16, where it will be safely destroyed during an upcoming military exercise.

Authorities are investigating how the military-grade explosives came to be dumped in the area and are working to identify those responsible.