Thai schoolkids on Myanmar border do bomb shelter drill as guns still rumble nearby

[webfact]

Picture: Sanook

 

Sanook reported from the school of Ban Tha Ta Fang in Mae Yuam sub-district of Mae Hong Son that lies close to the border with Myanmar.

 

With help from the military and locals, teachers at the school have constructed an 8x5 meter, 1.5 m high shelter for the children.

 

Yesterday they performed a drill so that they would be ready in case trouble across the border escalated, said school director Sayan Phothisuwan. 

 

The sound of mortars can still be heard across the border as Myanmar government forces battle with the KNU - Karen National Union. 

 

Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage

 

 

-- © Copyright  ASEAN NOW 2021-12-30

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

 

Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

 

[Card]

If a bomb dropped on that shelter it looks like it could collapse on top of the kids.

[Burma Bill]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Myanmar government forces

IMO should read "Myanmar Terrorist forces"!!!

[tomazbodner]

I'm sure Thai army has some unused near expiry mortars... they should return to the other side of the border each time something lands in Thailand... if stockpile is large, a dozen for each.

[Iron Tongue]

What a sorry shelter, it's embarrassing that soldiers helped to construct that to protect children.

That structure would not protect anyone from a direct hit by an 82mm mortar shell. 

There should be at least 3-layers of compacted dirt sandbags for the roof, preferably 5-layers, plus bags stacked along the sides, AND an "L" turn at the entrance so a near miss won't funnel mortar fragments into the shelter. 

 

[sawadee1947]

2 hours ago, Iron Tongue said:

What a sorry shelter, it's embarrassing that soldiers helped to construct that to protect children.

That structure would not protect anyone from a direct hit by an 82mm mortar shell. 

There should be at least 3-layers of compacted dirt sandbags for the roof, preferably 5-layers, plus bags stacked along the sides, AND an "L" turn at the entrance so a near miss won't funnel mortar fragments into the shelter. 

 

You seem to be a smart expert.

How about to offer your help there at the border?????

[ABCinSG]

That looks more like a fire trench than an actual bomb shelter. It should protect from indirect mortar fire. 

 

I'm guessing neither party would like to incur the wraith of Thailand. They would be trying their best to ensure nothing would cross the border. 

 

Strays do happen due to poor training of proper usage. If so, I hope the first doesn't hit the school itself. That may give them time to take shelter for any follow-up rounds before whichever imbecile that is firing the mortar realizes their mistake. 

 

With the above in mind and the local soldiers on high alert due to the alerts, I think it's a reasonable effort by them.