Through life-threatening moments, follow the EOD unit’s mission to defuse Cambodian shells and bombs fired into Thai civilian areas, restoring safety to the villagers.
Rewinding to December 2025, a month that should have been a season of happiness, but for villagers along the border, it was "a month from hell." Cambodia unleashed a heavy weapons bombardment with no regard for civilian locations—multiple rockets, BM-21 launchers, artillery, and grenade launchers rained thousands of explosives onto communities.
Unexploded ordnance scattered among innocent homes became a silent, deadly reaper. It became the brave mission of heroes to restore peace once again. What lies behind this story? The SEE TRUE news team will take you to see the truth.
Jariya Intharachit, a villager affected by shells hitting her home, said her belongings were damaged and nearly every roof tile was pierced. Only the kitchen area behind the house remained safe, where she and her child temporarily live. Local officials have inspected and conducted preliminary assessments for aid, but she still does not know how much compensation will be provided. She expressed sadness that Cambodia did not target only soldiers or armed forces but deliberately destroyed civilian homes.
Though the sound of artillery has quieted, death remains present. Every inch of the border village is filled with "a silent threat" hidden underground, in fields, or even "under villagers’ beds." This threat is unexploded bombs, which were fired but failed to detonate—time bombs waiting to kill innocent people.
This is the mission of the "EOD unit" or Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, who restore safe living conditions for villagers. Every morning, they face life-threatening risks under scorching heat, carrying the heavy pressure of a mission where any mistake could cost lives. The Thairath news team had the opportunity to accompany the EOD officers as they collected and destroyed unexploded shells reported found in a rubber plantation in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin province.
Lt. Col. Sanchai Kulsawang, Deputy Superintendent of Border Patrol Police Company 21, revealed that in December, at least 400-500 shells and explosives were fired into Surin’s border areas, excluding other border zones. Most were unexploded shells. Officials are continuously clearing these, but they expect many still remain unexplored by villagers, such as in sugarcane fields.
"We must be patient, carefully prying and digging. Every inch and centimeter of moving these explosives matters. We must exercise extreme caution—there is no room for error."
Throughout December 2025, over 1,000 explosive devices were fired across into Thai territory, leaving deep scars on the borderland. The EOD units continue working tirelessly to clear these hazards and restore peace and safety for the villagers. Every minute they successfully defuse a bomb means a life protected and renewed confidence for residents to return safely to their homes.
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