Thai Army Day Ceremony Ends in Tragedy

[webfact]

 

A military ceremony at the Surasri Camp on Thai Army Day took a tragic turn when a ceremonial artillery salute resulted in an explosion. The incident injured two soldiers, one of whom had to have a lower arm amputated, while the other remained under observation.

 

During the event, the army was firing a 105mm howitzer for a 21-gun salute using training rounds. Unfortunately, as they completed the 17th round, an explosion occurred at the rear of the howitzer.

 

Two soldiers sustained severe injuries and were immediately transported to a local hospital before being transferred to Phra Mongkutklao Hospital for comprehensive care. The soldiers were identified as Sergeant Major Chaisin Rakchat, 34, and Sergeant Major Wichaphon Prangthong, 42.

 

In response, General Pana Klayplotphuk, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, expressed his condolences and ordered an immediate suspension of the use of any ammunition from the same batch.

He also instructed that the circumstances leading to the accident be swiftly investigated and emphasised the importance of providing utmost care for the injured soldiers.

 

Lieutenant Colonel Richa Suksuwan, Deputy Army Spokesperson, confirmed that Sergeant Major Rakchat had undergone surgery due to the injuries affecting his right arm and cornea, while Sergeant Major Prangthong, suffering less severe injuries, was advised to rest and recover at home.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Phumtham Wechayachai, underscored the need for a thorough investigation, noting that accidents can occur even during routine operations. He stressed the importance of following protocols to maintain trust and safety within the military force, reported Siam Rath.

 

-- 2025-01-21

 

 

[John Drake]

Is this sort of thing becoming a habit?

 

Quote

A Royal Thai Navy warship accidentally fired an artillery shell at a frigate docked in Chonburi, wounding 13 sailors on Thursday.

 

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40036391

[lordgrinz]

Training, Training, Training!

[herfiehandbag]

Either a breech premature loading the cartridge, or, more likely perhaps, given that the two injured soldiers were Senior Non Commissioned Officers, an ammunition handling accident to the rear of the gun.

 

That US 105mm ammunition system is very stable.