Photo courtesy of DailyNews

 

In a chilling reminder of lingering war hazards, three Thai soldiers were injured by a landmine in the Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani, close to the Thai-Cambodian border. The incident, striking in a zone known for past conflict, has reignited concerns over unexploded ordnance in the region.

 

On the evening of 16th July, Lieutenant General Boonsin Phadklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Region, reported that the soldiers were wounded after igniting an old explosive left over from historical clashes. The blast occurred as the 14-member patrol unit advanced toward Hill 481, a site notorious for its perilous past.

 

The soldiers, part of the 2302nd Military Reconnaissance Unit, encountered the explosion at coordinates WA 220 861. The incident resulted in ankle injuries for three soldiers, with two suffering additional minor shrapnel wounds. Fortunately, none of the injuries appeared life-threatening, although one soldier, Private First Class Thanapat Huiwan, faced severe consequences.

 

Thanapat, just 21 years old, made the harshest sacrifice, losing his left leg in the explosion. Drafted last year, he volunteered for military service, keenly embracing his duty. His hometown, Ban Khaew–Tatum in Sisaket province, holds him in high regard, and their support echoes strongly as he begins recovery.

 

Reportedly stable after surgery, Thanapat’s story resonated widely on social media, notably through the Sisaket Mee Dee Facebook page. “The commander of the 2nd Army will visit him today. Please join us in sending your encouragement,” the post urged.

 

Despite ongoing demining operations, Hill 481 remains fraught with hidden dangers. Experts suspect the recent activity may have triggered the dormant landmine, causing the tragic event. Authorities are now rigorously examining historical maps and data to reassess the safety of the area.

 

This incident highlights the perpetual threat unexploded ordnance poses to soldiers and civilians, even after decades of peace. “These hidden killers remain a serious threat,” warned a military spokesperson. The Royal Thai Army has pledged to intensify clearance missions and advised residents to steer clear of the affected zone.

 

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Boonsin faces accusations of understating the soldiers' conditions, although he stressed their stable state post-hospitalisation. “The patrol team provided immediate first aid and called in medics swiftly,” he stated.

 

In light of the explosion, additional patrols have been paused while engineering teams conduct thorough safety assessments. The commitment remains firm to safeguarding both military personnel and local communities from these silent but lethal remnants of conflict, with renewed efforts to render the area safe.

 

As soldiers recover and the Army seeks answers, this event serves as a sobering reminder of the latent perils in former war zones. The financial toll, though secondary to human cost, underscores the price of enduring peace, as military and local efforts work to clear these deadly legacies.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Tha Thaiger 2025-07-17

 

 

Reports coming in of another guy losing a leg to a mine.  Not sure what location yet.