Soldier loses legs to a landmine
A Thai soldier lost both legs when he stepped on a landmine while patrolling near Preah Vihear Temple in Si Sa Ket's Kantharalak district late Wednesday night. The soldier was identified as Sergeant Chatree Kaewprasarn, 28, a commander of the unit from 16
Military officials said Chatree stepped on an anti-personnel mine while patrolling on the Thai side in the Plaiyao area west of the Phumakua Mountain in the area of Khao Prawiharn National Park.
The explosive was 400 metres away from the unit’s operation outpost in Don-aoh village in Tambon Rung of Kantharalak district.
The mine damaged both his legs below the knee. He was rushed to the Suppasit Prasong Army Base Hospital in Ubon Ratcha-thani.
There were no clashes between the two sides after the explosion, which prompted the patrol unit to call for reinforcements.
The military officials believe the mine had just been planted, as it was not far from the operation base of Thai troops, who frequently patrol the area and had not encountered any mines.
