A bomb with total weight of almost 1,000kg, at least half of which is explosives, was found in the Chatomuk River – opposite the Royal Palace – on May 5, according to director-general of Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) Heng Ratana.

Ratana said that the bomb was found near the Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel opposite the palace. It was a model of American aerial bomb called a AN-M66.

“If a bomb of this size was to explode, it would cause huge damage to the hotel and surrounding houses, and perhaps even the royal palace. That it never exploded is a lucky thing for all Cambodians,” said Ratana.

According to Ratana, CMAC bomb experts worked closely with the governor of Phnom Penh to transport the bomb to a safe area where CMAC’s experts can take further action.