Bangkok: A mine clearance officer suffered a severed left ankle after stepping on a PMN landmine during a survey and clearance mission in a hazardous area at Ban Nong Chan, Khok Sung District, Sa Kaeo Province.
According to Thai News Agency, today, Humanitarian Mine Action Unit 1 (HMAU 1) of the National Mine Action Center carried out routine operations in the Confirmed Hazardous Area (CHA) or CHA 27-01/01, Nong Chan Village, Non Mak Mun Subdistrict, Khok Sung District, Sa Kaeo Province, covering an area of 80,800 square meters. To date, the unit has cleared 62,000 square meters, leaving 18,800 square meters of confirmed hazardous area remaining, representing 23.27%.
Sergeant Major Udomsak Nukman, a technical survey officer in the 30th Cavalry Battalion, Royal Guard, stationed at Phrom Yothi Camp, Ban Phra Subdistrict, Mueang Prachinburi District, Prachinburi Province, was conducting a technical survey in the area. During the operation, he discovered a PMN minefield (old mines) and proceeded to survey the surrounding area to determine the extent of the minefield. At 11:00 AM, he stepped on a PMN mine, sustaining injuries including a severed left foot at the ankle and serious shrapnel wounds to his left arm. He remained conscious and was transported to Aranyaprathet Hospital after the team ceased operations.
Lieutenant General Worayot Luangsuwan, Commander of the 1st Army Area, expressed his concern over the incident and instructed the Burapha Task Force to emphasize to its personnel the importance of performing their duties with caution and vigilance. He also ordered the unit to provide the best possible care for the injured personnel, ensuring they receive all their entitlements and welfare benefits. Furthermore, he affirmed that the mission of clearing landmines from dangerous areas will continue at full capacity to create safe zones for the people along the border.