Thai Authorities Seize Explosives In Chiang Rai

[Jai Dee]

Thai Authorities Seize Explosives in Chiang Rai

More than 700 explosive devices thought to be linked to drug traffickers were discovered by Thai authorities in Mae Chan, Chiang Rai province, near the Thai-Burmese border.

The weapons were found after a tip on Tuesday from an Akha villager, according to Lt-Col Wichian Wannasuk, a local police officer. The investigation has since been turned over to local military and border patrol officials

“The suspicious devices were contained in many rice bags and boxes, and then covered with soil,” said Wichian. “I think the recent hard rains have eroded the soil, after it had been hidden for a while.”

The devices were found near a corn plantation on a hill in Laofoo village, when a local villager foraging for food discovered them. This latest discovery is the largest ever made in Mae Chan, a border district that is a popular transit point for drugs trafficked into Thailand.

An official from the Payao Border Patrol Police Bureau involved in the investigation told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday that the explosives were fused devices made from modified 60 and 60 mm mortar and rocket propelled grenade rounds, but could not identify the country of origin.

“The devices were hidden about one or two years,” said the official. “Most are in a good condition and ready to be used. But some parts were destroyed because of the high humidity.”

The official added that the explosives may belong to drug traffickers who bring drugs across the Burmese border just a few kilometers away.

Local military units have evacuated Laofoo village to prevent any injuries from the potentially volatile devices. They have also been tasked with collecting and disposing of the devices, some of which may need to be destroyed in their current location if it is determined that they are too dangerous to move, the Thai daily newspaper Manager reported on Wednesday.

Source: The Irrawaddy - May 17, 2006

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