Explosion at Surin Border Sparks Alarm but Revealed as Accident

Picture courtesy of MGR Online

A loud explosion at the Chong Chom border crossing in Surin province caused panic among residents on both the Thai and Cambodian sides early on June 16. Initially feared to be a military incident, the blast was later confirmed as an accident involving a Cambodian excavator operator.

The incident occurred at 8:45 am, just before the border gate was due to open. The explosion alarmed officials and many Cambodians waiting to cross back into their country, sparking fears of conflict.

However, Thai authorities clarified that the explosion resulted from an excavator striking an old, unidentified explosive device while clearing land near a Cambodian casino.

The blast damaged the excavator, injuring the operator, who was quickly taken to a Cambodian hospital for treatment. Videos shared on Cambodian social media helped to reassure the worried local community.

It is believed that the explosive device was a remnant from past conflicts along the border, buried long ago.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-17