The Surin Governor updated on the Border Patrol Police 21 weapons depot explosion, revealing that it stored K-type ammunition and RPGs, which caused the ongoing blast sounds. Night watch shifts have been arranged, and the cause is suspected to be heat buildup.
At about 21:10 on 24 Feb 2026, Chamroen Wanphet, Governor of Surin Province, disclosed that the explosion occurred at Ammunition Depot No. 1, which stored K-type bullets and RPGs. The blast was powerful, scattering shrapnel and sparks in all directions.
At the time, security personnel guarding the site shouted for everyone to evacuate the danger zone. Initially, one person was injured by shrapnel near the knee, a minor graze. The wound has been treated and is considered minor.
The intermittent explosions are thought to have spread to Building 2, which stores small arms ammunition, as small gunfire sounds were heard. Additionally, there are three other buildings storing explosives about 20 meters away, separated by a 6-meter earthen berm. This area remains unsafe, so access is restricted and cordoned off.
Nearby staff residences were evacuated to safe locations. Behind the weapons depot is a 6-meter high earthen berm enclosing the site, far from residential communities in an open field. Currently, the situation is considered safe provided the explosions do not escalate further.
Preparations included deploying about 10 fire trucks, foam chemical sprayers, and water trucks. Continuous night watch shifts have been set, with patrol points spread across community areas and intersections.
No inspections will be conducted tonight; assessments will wait until daylight for clear visibility. Drones will be flown periodically to monitor explosions and prevent spread to other buildings. Although further spread is not expected, caution remains necessary.
The Governor added that tomorrow (25 Feb 2026), an EOD team will enter to survey the site. Tonight will be used to prepare and rehearse the operation for tomorrow.
Regarding the cause of the fire, Maj. Gen. Chaiyanakorn Kitkhana, Commander of Military Circle 25, stated that the hot weather likely triggered the incident. Temperatures were quite high that day. Officials reported that the depot doors were opened to ventilate heat but this was insufficient due to the explosive nature of the ammunition. The depot requires effective temperature control.
When asked about future depot management to prevent recurrence, Maj. Gen. Chaiyanakorn explained that there are established weapons storage regulations, including sprinkler systems to mitigate heat, ventilation, and temperature meters to ensure it does not exceed 40 degrees Celsius.