Arya News - A Thai soldier, SM1 Channarong Wongchana, was injured by the landmine explosion during a mine-clearance mission. The area is considered a danger zone as it was a former Cambodian military position, and it is still undergoing landmine clearing.
BANGKOK – The Royal Thai Army has expressed regret over a landmine incident that injured SM1 Channarong Wongchana during a mine-clearance operation near Chong An Ma in Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani, pledging full support for his treatment and recovery.
Army spokesperson Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree explained on Monday (August 17) that Channarong was taking part in a mine-clearance mission alongside personnel from the Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC) when the incident occurred.
Channarong, attached to the 2nd Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, was injured in the O Prakasanae village area near Hill 500 at Chong An Ma in Song subdistrict, Nam Yuen district.
Emergency personnel initially took him to Nam Yuen Hospital before he was transferred by helicopter to Fort Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital in Warin Chamrap district, Ubon Ratchathani, for further treatment.
Winthai explained that Channarong sustained injuries to his right ankle and right hand, as well as wounds elsewhere on his body. He remained conscious and in a stable condition while receiving treatment at the military hospital.
The Army expressed regret over the incident and confirmed that commanders had instructed Channarong’s unit to provide him with the fullest possible care and assistance.
Army says site had previously been a Cambodian position
According to Winthai, Cambodian forces had previously crossed into the area and established a position there during an earlier period of tension. Thai forces subsequently pushed the Cambodian troops out, after which the area was secured, closed off and designated a danger zone.
TMAC personnel were then assigned to inspect the area and clear landmines to make it safe.
Meanwhile, SM1 Supachai Yapila, a medic attached to the team, described the location where Channarong stepped on the mine as the O Prakasanae operational base, which he said had previously been used as a Cambodian position.
Supachai explained that nearly 30 personnel had entered the area before the incident, but Channarong was the only soldier injured. He added that Channarong had walked alone to the point where the explosion occurred.
Supachai believed the mine was likely a PMN-2 and suggested that it may have been planted to cover a withdrawal during the previous round of clashes.
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