Found a Bomb at Thatang, Sekong Province

Found a Bomb at Thatang, Sekong Province, Laos

I, mr.hotsia, recently had a travel experience at Thatang, Sekong Province, Laos. This time, it was not just an ordinary trip, but I encountered a heartbreaking and cautionary story for all travelers who want to visit this land. The story of bombs still hidden in the post-war land is not just a rumor or tale, but something I saw with my own eyes and truly felt.

Previously, I wrote about my experience in Xiangkhouang, a city full of large bombs along the roads. Most have been cleared and destroyed, but when I arrived at Thatang in Sekong Province, I heard news that the bomb clearance plan in this area has not met its targets. Since 2010, the goal was to inspect 200 acres, but only 80 acres have been cleared.

I thought to myself, "Traveling in the city, maybe there won't be any problems," because most unchecked areas are behind houses or forested hills. But this experience immediately changed my mind.

Traveling to Thatang and Encountering Bombs

That day, the weather in Thatang was not as hot as I had experienced elsewhere. I spent my free time washing my hair and gathering local news before receiving a message that made my heart race: "There is a bomb behind the house, not sure what to do?" This sentence shocked me because it meant there was an explosive device with no clear way to handle it. Normally, I am not afraid of such things, but this time my Thai curiosity instinct kicked in immediately.

I went searching and recorded video footage of the bomb, which I could not identify by model or war era. The frightening fact is that it still remains. Anyone who has traveled around Thatang or Sekong Province will understand that this area still has many old buried bombs. Officials I spoke with said that the front yard zones in Thatang town have been inspected and some bombs destroyed, but the backyard or surrounding forest areas are still behind and have not been thoroughly checked.

Hidden Risks in the Daily Lives of Locals

From conversations with bomb disposal officers and locals, I learned that in 2010, several people were injured or killed by these bombs. Most incidents happened when villagers were digging fields or planting rubber trees and accidentally triggered hidden landmines.

Livestock such as cows and chickens sometimes accidentally triggered bombs, resulting in injury or death. These events made me realize that safety in this area cannot yet be fully trusted.

Warnings for Tourists

For anyone planning to travel to Laos, especially areas like Sekong Province or Thatang town, I want to warn you not to wander into forests or places that have not been clearly inspected because we can never know where old bombs might be buried.

I recommend sticking to routes commonly used by tourists and locals. If you encounter anything unusual, such as suspicious objects, report immediately to the village head or authorities. Do not touch or try to move anything yourself under any circumstances.

Thatang and Sekong Province — A Town Beyond Bombs

Thatang is a small town in Sekong Province located between Pakxong, Sekong, and Salavan. Although small, it charms visitors with cool weather and tranquility. I have written aboutThatang Morning Market, Sekong Provincewhich, though not flashy, is full of life and simplicity.

Here, many Vietnamese run shops, there are few accommodations, and no motorcycle rentals. Accommodation costs about 300 baht per night. I used my own motorcycle to tour the town and stopped to talk with locals to gather information.

From Thatang, I also traveled to a Tay ethnic village in Sekong Province, which I have described in the articleTay Tribe in Dakjung TownIt is a small village requiring patience to reach but full of interesting and distinct tribal lifestyles.

Travel and Safety

For travelers heading to Sekong Province, I have recommended routes in the articleTraveling from Sekong to Dakjungwhich, although much more convenient than in the past, still presents challenges and requires caution, especially during the rainy season when roads are slippery and dangerous.

There are some police officers ensuring safety here, but I advise motorcycle riders to wear helmets and avoid traveling to secluded or rarely visited areas because besides bombs, there are other risks as well.

Summary from mr.hotsia

Thatang and Sekong Province are areas full of natural beauty and tribal culture but also have a past still lingering in the form of unexploded bombs. I, mr.hotsia, want everyone who loves adventure and wants to experience life here to be cautious and respect the area with accurate knowledge and information.

If you have the chance to visit here, don't forget to read the stories ofThatang Morning MarketandTay Tribe in Dakjung Townto better understand the context of Sekong Province. Most importantly, do not venture deep into forests or unchecked areas because the danger from bombs remains a silent threat that can happen anytime.

I recorded this story in December 2010 as a lesson and warning for future travelers.