Workers unearth more than 100 bombs at Bangkok construction site

BANGKOK: Workers at a construction site on Rajavithi Road here reeled in shock today, when they dug up more than 100 practice bombs, believed to be from the Second World War era.
The police, who were alerted over the discovery of the bombs, cordoned off the area for public safety, while members of its bomb disposal unit scoured the construction site to unearth more of the bombs, hidden about 1.5 metres underground.
National Police deputy chief, Gen Srivara Rangsibrahmanakul, who arrived at the scene told reporters the type of bombs found were believed to be Type BDU-33s made by the United States and did not possess any explosives, as its purpose was only for training.
"The United States was the producer of this bomb and Thai agencies never used this kind of practice bombs," he said, adding that the construction site was formerly a soccer field, when asked whether a US military base had existed in the area.
He told the public not to be alarmed with the find and instructed the police to thoroughly inspect the construction site before clearing it for workers.
Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police Bureau Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit head, Col Kamthorn Quicharoen, said the practice bombs were in poor condition and are believed to be remnants from the Second World War.
The practice bombs would only emit smoke when launched, he added. — Bernama