Community Mushroom Forager Stumbles Upon RPG and Landmine Near Thai-Cambodian Border

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

A man searching for mushrooms near the Thai-Cambodian border was shocked to discover a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) and a landmine in a forested area known for leftover munitions.

 

The incident occurred on 5 June near the Chrat Dam in Buachet district, Surin province, along the Thai-Cambodian border. The story first surfaced on a local Facebook page, “Pao Saibunterng Fanpage,” which posted a video clip of the find along with the caption: “Unbelievable mushroom hunt #PaoKitchen #SeasonalForaging.”

 

In the video, one of the foragers is seen holding what appears to be an RPG warhead found in the underbrush. The footage has since garnered attention online due to the dangerous nature of the discovery.

 

The man behind the post, Mr. Latsakorn, 35, later spoke to local reporters. He explained that he and a group of three to four friends had ventured into the forest near Chrat Dam to forage for wild mushrooms, a common seasonal activity in the region.

 

“At first, we were just gathering mushrooms as usual. Then one of my friends suddenly walked up holding what looked like an RPG warhead,” Latsakorn said. “It startled me, but on closer inspection, it appeared to have already detonated or been rendered inert, so I assumed it wasn’t dangerous and filmed it.”

 

He added that not long after the initial discovery, the group also came across what looked like a landmine positioned under a tree. Although it, too, appeared to be inactive, they did not attempt to touch or move it, opting only to record footage.

 

Latsakorn noted that it was his first time foraging in this particular forest. He typically searches in Sangkhla district, which also borders Cambodia, but had never encountered any explosives before.

 

“I was really shocked,” he said. “We didn’t remove the mine, we left it where we found it. I believe the locals have probably seen it before. If I ever came across one that looked active or unexploded, I’d immediately report it to the authorities.”

 

He added that he always observes the warning signs placed by authorities in known danger zones and avoids areas marked as hazardous. The group had only entered parts of the forest designated as safe for public access.

 

The Thai-Cambodian border region remains littered with unexploded ordnance from past conflicts, particularly landmines and RPGs from civil wars and border skirmishes. Although clearance efforts have significantly reduced the number of incidents in recent years, accidental discoveries like this still occur, highlighting the ongoing risks in these areas.

 

Authorities have yet to confirm whether they will conduct a clearance operation in the area where the munitions were found.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-06-07

 

 

 

[sungod]

Great idea picking that stuff up. 

[Yagoda]

47 minutes ago, sungod said:

Great idea picking that stuff up. 

Thats the first thing you learn in Explosives jobs. If it looks like a bomb, pick it up for pictures

[fredwiggy]

Close to that border also, and used to look for mushrooms with the ex. At least one in the village here lost a leg to a mine in years past. Army camp is a half kilo away so they're worried in the village. There's one area near the border here that has hazard signs warning of possible mines. Used to love walking in the woods in New Jersey and Texas, but not here, at least this close to Cambodia.

[JoePai]

1 hour ago, Yagoda said:

Thats the first thing you learn in Explosives jobs. If it looks like a bomb, pick it up for pictures

Err - the first thing you learn in Explosives jobs. If it looks like a bomb, turn 180 and run like hell  😎

[DezLez]

6 hours ago, JoePai said:

Err - the first thing you learn in Explosives jobs. If it looks like a bomb, turn 180 and run like hell  😎

Actually you turn around very slowly and tiptoe out of the area!