Regional Army Chief Inspects Border Blast Site Near Cambodia
A Thai regional army commander inspected a border base in Sisaket Province near Cambodia following reports of an explosion on May 14, finding no evidence of ordnance at the site while distributing supplies to troops.
SISAKET — 19 May 2026, A senior Thai military commander has inspected the Ta Maria frontline border base at Phu Makhuea in Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province, linked to reports of an explosion near the Thai-Cambodian frontier earlier this month, and distributed morale-boosting supplies to troops and local residents along the border.
Maj. Gen. Kampanart Wapansu, the chief-of-staff of the Operations Centre of the Second Army Region, led a delegation at 10:00 on Monday to the Ta Maria Operational Base near Phu Makhuea in Sao Thong Chai Subdistrict, Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province, to investigate the incident following reports of a blast-like sound inside Thai territory on 14 May. The delegation was welcomed and guided through the inspection area by Lt. Col. Samart Kaewsiwai, Commander of the 14th Infantry Battalion under the Suranaree Task Force.
Military personnel examined terrain surrounding the base, which consists of dense jungle and deep ravines. Investigators located a suspicious site in a low-lying bamboo forest approximately 200 meters from the compound. Due to the rugged terrain, access to the site was severely restricted. However, military officials confirmed that no ordnance or impact marks were found within the perimeter of the operational base itself.
Kampanart said this site visit was aimed at thoroughly verifying the facts on the ground and providing clarity regarding the reported incident. The military delegation later travelled to the Chong Khan Ma checkpoint to meet with frontline personnel. They also distributed care packages and praised the troops for their dedication to securing the Thai-Cambodian border.
Meanwhile, local residents continue to monitor the situation through community leaders and government channels, while expressing full confidence in the military's ability to maintain surveillance and ensure safety along the border.
