Thai soldier loses leg in landmine blast near Chong An Ma

A Thai soldier lost a leg after stepping on a landmine while on duty near Chong An Ma in Ubon Ratchathani province on Monday (August 17), according to preliminary reports.

An official Royal Thai Army Facebook page initially reported that a Thai soldier had been injured in an incident within the 2nd Army Area's area of responsibility. It later indicated that the soldier had been taken to hospital, with further official information pending.

At 11.50am, reporters received further information that an explosive-ordnance clearance team from the Thailand Mine Action Center, under the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, had been carrying out clearance work in the Chong An Ma area when the incident occurred.

Sergeant Major First Class Channarong Wongchana, attached to the 2nd Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, stepped on a landmine during the operation. The blast severed one of his legs, and personnel at the scene rushed him to hospital.

Further details surrounding the incident were still being verified.