Picture courtesy of The Nation

 

Senator Wutthipong Pongsuwan has unveiled a groundbreaking model of blast-resistant footwear, poised to enhance safety for Thai soldiers. The prototype, designed to mitigate the risk of landmine injuries, will undergo testing by the 2nd Army next week.

 

This innovation comes amid escalating tensions on the Thai-Cambodian border, where landmines have sadly cost numerous soldiers their limbs.

 

Drawing inspiration from designs used during the Russia-Ukraine war, Wutthipong and his team have adapted these protective shoes for local use. Originally pioneered in Canada, the footwear significantly reduced blast-related amputations in Ukraine from around 20,000 to fewer than 10 annually.

 

Leveraging 3D printing technology, the team has partnered with supportive factories committed to assisting at no cost, reported The Nation.

 

This collaboration facilitates the final adjustments necessary to produce shoes capable of withstanding extreme blast forces. Once complete, the shoes, named 'Nilmangkorn', promise to decrease impact forces by up to 70%, offering soldiers greater protection.

 

Senator Wutthipong emphasised the moral boost these boots provide to both soldiers and civilians, contrasting their effects on those responsible for planting landmines in Cambodia. "Without this protection, soldiers can suffer severe injuries, but 'Nilmangkorn' boots drastically reduce the risk," he said.

 

The remarkable initiative, supported by several factories eager to produce the boots for free, is set to offer a substantial advantage to Thai troops. The prototype is anticipated to be ready next week, with testing scheduled at the Second Army Area.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-08-23

 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

The prototype will undergo testing by the 2nd Army next week.

All right recruit, time to walk for your country General

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe! Yeah, it´s your turn to try.

Come on , best foot forward.

 

 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Senator Wutthipong emphasised the moral boost these boots provide to both soldiers and civilians,

 

I wonder if these boots will be classified as war weapons and denied to civilians as are bullet proof vests.

Shouldn't the guys in the OP pic be holding a big check?

 

Cannot imagine walking around in the bush with those on. 

I wonder if they will invite James McCormick to tender an offer.

1 hour ago, johng said:

 

I wonder if these boots will be classified as war weapons and denied to civilians as are bullet proof vests.

 

Civvies can legally own a bullet resistant vest if they hold the correct permits.

3 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe! Yeah, it´s your turn to try.

I'd be more interested in Kevlar underwear

Copying is a Thai tradition. If history is right the boots will probably cause more harm. 😂😂😂

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

I'd be more interested in Kevlar underwear

Yes, I believe the toecap flies off and hits you in the nuts.

..........so let the coin decide👍

 

3D printed? What is the base material used?

 

Anyone for hopscotch?

1 hour ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

 

3D printed? What is the base material used?

 

Anyone for hopscotch?

 

The top of  platform that the boot attaches will be a  multi-layered composite most likely using UHMWPE materials lke Dyneema and Spectra.

The 3D printed parts is likely using a carbon fibre filled nylon like Onyx.

So the boot protects the foot.... maybe.

 

Pity about the leg above it, blown off/mangled at the knee/hip/neck!

15 hours ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of The Nation

 

?  keep the strap on ski boots ......

 

15 hours ago, webfact said:

they would be a lot better off with these ....https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSV0qJgwrdDb2H8hndpNEcWFR-KHvkHFXyC-w&s

 

22 hours ago, AustinRacing said:

Copying is a Thai tradition. If history is right the boots will probably cause more harm. 😂😂😂

Actually! I can not see how wearing the boots will hurt them more. Any land mine would just as easily blow off the mans leg even wearing the boots. So maybe if they step on land mines we will be seeing alot of short legged men who managed to have their feet saved but their legs blown off. 

23 hours ago, Grusa said:

So the boot protects the foot.... maybe.

 

Pity about the leg above it, blown off/mangled at the knee/hip/neck!

But still alive!

On 8/23/2025 at 4:25 AM, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of The Nation

 

Senator Wutthipong Pongsuwan has unveiled a groundbreaking model of blast-resistant footwear, poised to enhance safety for Thai soldiers. The prototype, designed to mitigate the risk of landmine injuries, will undergo testing by the 2nd Army next week.

 

This innovation comes amid escalating tensions on the Thai-Cambodian border, where landmines have sadly cost numerous soldiers their limbs.

 

Drawing inspiration from designs used during the Russia-Ukraine war, Wutthipong and his team have adapted these protective shoes for local use. Originally pioneered in Canada, the footwear significantly reduced blast-related amputations in Ukraine from around 20,000 to fewer than 10 annually.

 

Leveraging 3D printing technology, the team has partnered with supportive factories committed to assisting at no cost, reported The Nation.

 

This collaboration facilitates the final adjustments necessary to produce shoes capable of withstanding extreme blast forces. Once complete, the shoes, named 'Nilmangkorn', promise to decrease impact forces by up to 70%, offering soldiers greater protection.

 

Senator Wutthipong emphasised the moral boost these boots provide to both soldiers and civilians, contrasting their effects on those responsible for planting landmines in Cambodia. "Without this protection, soldiers can suffer severe injuries, but 'Nilmangkorn' boots drastically reduce the risk," he said.

 

The remarkable initiative, supported by several factories eager to produce the boots for free, is set to offer a substantial advantage to Thai troops. The prototype is anticipated to be ready next week, with testing scheduled at the Second Army Area.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-08-23

 

And who of those five bombshells will be the first to try ???😁

Well done soldier you foot is ok it's over there, 

Your leg is up in that tree!

🤔☻☻☻🚀

3 minutes ago, cowellandrew said:

Well done soldier you foot is ok it's over there, 

Your leg is up in that tree!

🤔☻☻☻🚀

 

but not dead

 

1 minute ago, Ralf001 said:

 

but not dead

 

Ah try living in Thailand as a trans tabula amputee, 

It's not easy,

My sister inlaw is a double trans tabula amputee, 20 years ago,

Ran over by a train, long story!

Government support 0!

😓😓

 

1 hour ago, cowellandrew said:

Ah try living in Thailand as a trans tabula amputee, 

It's not easy,

My sister inlaw is a double trans tabula amputee, 20 years ago,

Ran over by a train, long story!

Government support 0!

😓😓

 

 

Ahh well <deleted> it then... shoot them.

Rumour has it that an American arms manufacturer is taking a majority position in the company and has signed Ronaldo to do the first test. The add campaign is called 'Taking One For The Team'. 

2 hours ago, cowellandrew said:

tabula

 

Tibia?

12 hours ago, flaming dragon said:

 

Tibia?

Yes sorry not good at spelling!🤣