Cambodian wildfire near Trat border triggers landmine explosions

2026-03-11 - 02:23

TRAT — 10 March 2026, A large forest fire broke out along the Thai–Cambodian border on Tuesday evening, sending thick smoke and bright orange flames into the sky along the Banthat mountain range and prompting concern among nearby villagers. The blaze was reported between 19:00 and 21:00, with flames clearly visible from several communities in Trat province. The fire was burning on the Cambodian side of the border, approximately 1–2 km from nearby villages and about 1 km from the Ban Chamrak operational area, though it had not spread into Thai territory. Witnesses said the fire appeared to originate in Cambodia, where forest burning spread rapidly across a wide area. The glow from the blaze could be seen from a considerable distance, including from Ban Laem Sok in Ao Yai subdistrict, more than 20 km away. Residents in Tha Kum, Chamrak, Takang, and Laem Klat subdistricts also reported seeing the flames lighting up the mountainside. Mr. Peerapat Kakkeaw, 40, a resident of Village 5 in Chamrak, told reporters he was worried about the situation. Villagers had believed there would be no more fires this year following two recent confrontations between Thai and Cambodian forces along the border. However, the large blaze erupted again, and he believes it was deliberately set on the Cambodian side. “The main concern now is the smoke and ash that could drift into the village,” he said, noting that the community lies at a lower elevation than the fire area and could be directly affected by falling soot and air pollution. Meanwhile, troops and border patrol police stationed along the frontier reported hearing repeated explosions during the fire. Officials believe the blasts were caused by buried landmines detonating after being triggered by the intense heat from the wildfire. There have been no reports of injuries or fatalities, and the fire had not spread to Thai security positions as of late Tuesday. Security authorities from both countries are continuing to monitor the situation and remain in coordination along the border, with surveillance maintained around the clock.