Landmine blast on Thai-Cambodian border maims soldier

A Thai soldier lost his left leg after stepping on an old landmine laid by Cambodian forces along the Thai border in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket province on Wednesday afternoon. Four other soldiers sustained minor injuries.

The Second Army Region said the soldiers were on a mission to clear landmines in the border area when one of them, later identified as Pvt Preewat Meemana, accidentally detonated a mine left behind during the period when Cambodian forces occupied the area, before being driven out by Thai troops in December last year.

The blast severed Preewat’s left leg below the knee and caused a severe injury to his right leg.

All injured soldiers were rushed to hospital, the Second Army Region said.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed he had been informed of the incident and urged demining units to exercise greater caution while carrying out their duties.