Mine risk remains at border

824 craters spotted near civilian areas

- PRASIT TANGPRASERT

The military has discovered about 824 bomb craters along the northeastern border, including live mines near civilian residences and hospitals.

The Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters said yesterday authorities discovered about 824 bomb craters caused by Cambodian forces in four northeastern border provinces in the northeastern region.

Most of these explosive remnants were found near civilian residences and hospitals, and pose a serious threat to local communities, said Col Chatrapee Poonsri, deputy spokeswoman for the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

Among the findings were 18 PMN-2 antipersonnel mines, with two in an active, ready-to-detonate state, she said.

Additionally, troops uncovered grenade launcher rounds and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). These weapons represent a "silent death" lurking dangerously close to homes, schools, hospitals and farmland.