Two Thai Soldiers Injured by Blast at Chong An Ma Border

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

Two Thai soldiers were injured after an explosion triggered by heat from a grass fire along the border at Chong An Ma on 30 January, while troops were attempting to contain the blaze. Shrapnel from the blast struck both men, prompting emergency medical treatment and urgent hospital transfers.

The incident occurred near a barbed-wire fence at an area known as the “Bo Kai” point by a cliff face, close to the frontier. The Second Army Area Command reported that dry grass and bamboo caught fire in front of the fence line, an area previously affected by fighting and believed to contain unexploded ordnance left behind from earlier conflicts.

As the fire spread towards the suspected location of residual explosive devices, the intense heat detonated an old munition without warning. Two Thai soldiers on duty were hit by shrapnel from the blast and knocked unconscious by the force of the explosion.

The injured were identified as Sergeant Major Thammarat Khlai Thip, a rifle squad leader and Private Weerasak Kanha Ruang. Sergeant Major Thammarat suffered blast injuries, lost consciousness and sustained shrapnel wounds above his right collarbone, according to the report.

Medical teams provided first aid at the scene before rushing him to Nam Yuen Hospital. Doctors treated his injuries, conducted an electrocardiogram and a CT X-ray scan, and noted confusion and low blood pressure, leading to a decision to transfer him by aircraft to Fort Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital for further care.

Private Weerasak was also rendered unconscious by the blast pressure and was transferred directly to Fort Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital. Medical staff there admitted him for observation following initial treatment.

Military officials said the exact type and size of the explosive device remain under investigation. Soldiers who witnessed the incident stated that they had been preparing to bring water to extinguish the burning bamboo to prevent the fire from spreading into the operational base when the explosion occurred.

Khoasod reported that The Second Army Area Command is expected to conduct further checks in the area to assess remaining risks from unexploded ordnance. Authorities have not reported any additional injuries and continue to monitor the border zone for safety.

Key Takeaways

• Two Thai soldiers were injured by shrapnel after a heat-triggered explosion at Chong An Ma on 30 January 2569.

• The blast was caused by an old unexploded munition detonating during a grass and bamboo fire near a border fence.

• Both injured soldiers were hospitalised, with one transferred by aircraft for advanced treatment.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-31