Thai Soldier Becomes 13th Landmine Casualty Near Cambodian Border

Surin: A Thai soldier lost his right leg on Friday after stepping on an old landmine in Surin province, marking the 13th such amputation involving military personnel in the region. The blast occurred at 6:44 a.m. near the Erawan Operational Base in the Chong Rayee pass, Kap Choeng district. The soldier, identified as Private Detsak Trikham, suffered a severed right leg and severe shrapnel wounds to his left arm and leg. He was airlifted to Surin Hospital and remains in critical condition.

According to Thai News Agency, the Second Army Region confirmed the device was not a fresh placement but an old landmine buried deep beneath layers of decaying leaves, making it undetectable during prior sweeps. Military officials are now investigating the site to enhance safety protocols and prevent further casualties in this high-risk border zone.