Discovery of Explosives
Police from Mae Sai Station, accompanied by administrative officials and soldiers from Task Force Pha Muang, investigated a suspicious white Toyota van parked behind a shopping centre near Municipality Road 3 in Mae Sai district. The vehicle had been reported months earlier but left untouched for over six months. Located less than one kilometre from the First Thai–Myanmar Friendship Bridge, the van was opened by officers who found several fertiliser sacks stacked inside, containing multiple sticks of Superpower 90 high-grade plastic explosives. Red-and-white detonating cords were also recovered.
Public Safety Measures and EOD Response
Given the potential danger, authorities cordoned off a 100-metre radius around the van to prevent residents from approaching. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists from Chiang Rai Provincial Police were called in to safely neutralise and remove the materials. The discovery in a densely populated area raised serious concerns over the potential consequences had the explosives been triggered accidentally. Superpower 90 is a powerful emulsion explosive suitable for tunnel blasting and all underground and aboveground operations.
Ongoing Investigation
Preliminary inquiries suggest the explosives may have been intended for mining operations in Myanmar’s Shan State, which hosts numerous manganese, gold, and rare earth mines. Police are continuing investigations to trace the origin of the explosives and determine how they ended up abandoned so close to the international border. Authorities emphasized the importance of vigilance and coordination in border areas to prevent illicit transport and storage of dangerous materials.