A Thai soldier was injured after stepping on a concealed bamboo spike trap during an operation in Si Sa Ket province on 13 April 2026. The victim, Sergeant Peeran Mathurot, head of a firing unit, sustained a deep wound to his left leg and suffered heavy blood loss. He remained conscious and responsive before being urgently evacuated to Kantharalak Hospital for emergency treatment.

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The incident occurred while troops from the 2nd Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment were carrying out duties at the Sarawut operations base. During the mission, the soldier unknowingly stepped on a sharpened bamboo stake trap, hidden in the ground, which pierced his leg. The area remains tense due to past military activity and unresolved hazards.

Medical staff admitted the soldier directly to the emergency room, where he received initial treatment. Doctors did not initially stitched the wound and were awaiting X-ray results, citing significant blood loss as the main concern, before later completing full treatment.

Reports indicate that the bamboo spike trap was likely installed by Cambodian forces during their previous period of control over the Khao Sattasom area. Although Thai forces have since regained the territory following earlier clashes, not all hazardous materials have been cleared. This has left lingering dangers for personnel operating in the area.

The incident highlights ongoing risks in former conflict zones where improvised traps and hidden defences may remain active. Military units working in such areas must continue to exercise extreme caution. The presence of uncleared hazards could also affect patrol safety and operational planning.

Khaosod reported that authorities are expected to review safety protocols and assess whether additional clearance operations are required in the area. Further updates on the soldier’s condition are pending as doctors continue treatment and evaluation. Efforts may also focus on identifying and removing any remaining concealed traps.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 14 Apr 2026

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I thought land mines and punji stick traps were something we would see only in a museum, by 2026.

Sad that I am wrong.

It was, unfortunately, just a matter of time. Pictures of Cambodian soldiers digging spike traps were found on the phone they lost at one of the military camps they had to abandon in the conflict.

These traps are vicious

Many years ago, were there not rumors of smearing these bamboo stakes with human excrement, or similar, in order to cause infection?

Humans are among the most creative of animals.

Bamboo is plentiful in Vietnam, as well.