Thai - Cambodia Conflict Rocket Lands on Thai Home: EOD Team Executes Safe Detonation

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Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Yesterday, Police Major General Narongsak Promtha, Commander of Buriram Provincial Police, supervised the delicate operation of diffusing a BM-21 rocket in Ban Kruat district, Buriram, after it crashed through a local resident's roof. Fired by Cambodian forces during recent skirmishes, the rocket lodged itself deep under the floor of a house.

 

The incident unfolded when the rocket struck the roof of 64-year-old Sengiam Tuprawon’s residence, creating a 40-centimetre hole before embedding itself approximately five metres beneath the bedroom's concrete floor. Due to its dangerous positioning, initial defusing efforts by the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team were unsuccessful, necessitating a controlled detonation.

 

Before executing the safe detonation, officers ensured that all personal belongings were carefully removed, reducing potential damage. A 200-metre safety perimeter was established, and detonation cords were expertly placed. The ensuing explosion resulted in a large crater, approximately 80 centimetres deep, causing substantial damage to the roof but sparing the concrete walls.

 

Police Major General Narongsak elaborated on the complexities of the operation. "The rocket, fired on July 24, remained unnoticed until the family returned home after evacuation. Despite its deep embedding, the soil absorbed much of the blast, mitigating the threat." The commanding officer verified that the projectile was indeed launched from Cambodia, and the EOD team adhered to international safety protocols.

 

The homeowner, acknowledging the peril, consented to the controlled detonation, understanding the potential risks to both neighbours and himself had the ordnance remained unaddressed.

 

Residents are urged to report any unexploded ordnance to authorities immediately by dialling the emergency number 191 to ensure safe and prompt disposal.

 

In response to the incident, security checkpoints have intensified across northeastern Thailand to intercept and investigate potential espionage activities. While several individuals have been scrutinised in Buriram, no conclusive evidence of spying has been discovered to date.

 

This event underscores the ongoing tensions in the region and highlights the importance of vigilant safety measures and swift action in preventing harm from remnants of conflict.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-29