Anutin in tears visiting injured soldiers, vows best care for all

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Tuesday flew by helicopter to Sunpasit Hospital in Warin Chamrap district, Ubon Ratchathani, to visit and encourage four soldiers injured by a landmine explosion during a patrol in Huai Ta Maria, Si Sa Ket, on November 10.

The four injured were Sergeant Major First Class Therdsak Samaphong, who lost his right foot; Private Vachira Panthana, who suffered blast pressure injuries; Private Aphirak Srichomchai, who sustained two shrapnel wounds to his right calf; and Private Anucha Sucharee, who suffered eye irritation from dust or chemicals.

Upon arrival, Anutin went straight to the ICU to visit Therdsak, who is being treated for his severe leg injury. Meeting the soldier’s wife and family, the prime minister placed his hand on Therdsak’s shoulder and said tearfully, “Are you in pain? Don’t worry, we’ll take the best care of you.” As he turned to leave, he wiped his tears away.

Anutin also asked the medical team about prosthetic technology, saying, “Modern artificial limbs can now allow people to run almost normally.” He presented financial aid and later visited the three other soldiers with minor injuries.

He told reporters that the government would cover all medical and prosthetic costs, stressing, “These young men sacrificed for the country. They will be looked after fully. The soldier who lost his right leg will be sent to Bangkok for advanced treatment and rehabilitation. All six soldiers injured in recent incidents will receive new prosthetics and proper care. Modern prosthetics now allow people to live normally.”

He told reporters that the government would cover all medical and prosthetic expenses, emphasising that “these young men sacrificed for the country and will be cared for in full.” He added that the soldier who lost his right leg would be transferred to Bangkok for advanced treatment and rehabilitation. 

All six soldiers injured in recent incidents, he noted, would receive new prosthetics and comprehensive care, adding that modern technology now allows artificial limbs to function almost like natural ones.

Asked about his emotional moment, Anutin replied, “Please don’t ask about that. We all have feelings—ask about work instead.”

When asked whether he had promised the families any retaliation against Cambodia, he said, “That’s our duty. I won’t let their sacrifices go unhonoured without defending their dignity.”

He added that His Majesty the King has graciously taken all four soldiers under royal patronage and sent gifts through the Ubon Ratchathani governor.

When a reporter asked whether the soldiers would not be injured in vain, Anutin responded, pointing to the defence minister beside him, “Those who hurt more are us.”