Two Thai soldiers were injured after stepping on an old landmine while carrying out maintenance work at Phu Pha operating base in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket province, according to the 2nd Army Area.
The soldiers, assigned to reinforce security and improve the base's defensive positions, were taken to Kantharalak Hospital in this northeastern border province for treatment. Both were reported to be in stable conditions.
The 2nd Army Area said it received a report from the Suranaree Task Force at about 10.30am on Friday that soldiers from the 122nd Infantry Company, 12th Infantry Battalion, had stepped on an old landmine that failed to detonate at full force while clearing a firing area within the Phu Pha operating base.
The explosion caused minor injuries to two soldiers, who were immediately evacuated to Kantharalak Hospital.
According to the report, members of an anti-aircraft gun unit attached to the 122nd Infantry Company were clearing vegetation to prepare for an operational area when Sgt Maj First Class Chakkrit Buakaew, commander of the anti-aircraft gun unit, stepped on a landmine.
Because the explosive did not fully detonate, Sgt Maj First Class Chakkrit sustained minor injuries to his right foot and ankle, suffering swelling and bruising from the blast pressure. He also had slight chest discomfort.
Another soldier, Sgt Maj First Class Sathit Phongkaew, a gunner of the same unit, was struck by flying rocks and soil thrown up by the explosion while assisting with the clearing operation.
Initial examinations found no deep wounds, but he was admitted to hospital for further medical assessment.
The Suranaree Task Force reported that the evacuation was carried out smoothly and both soldiers arrived safely at the hospital.
Military authorities were continuing to monitor their conditions while also conducting inspections of the surrounding area to ensure no additional unexploded ordnance remained.
Preliminary findings showed that the device was an old unexploded landmine left in the area.
