AiBot
BANGKOK, Thailand – In response to a recent incident involving a Thai soldier injured by an old landmine near the Cambodian border, the Royal Thai Army has announced that the area has been fully cleared of any explosive devices. According to an Army spokesperson, a joint team of engineers and humanitarian demining experts conducted a thorough sweep of the area, successfully identifying and removing 19 PMN-1 anti-personnel landmines that had been left behind from a previous conflict.
The discovery of these landmines highlights the ongoing risks faced by soldiers and civilians alike in areas near the Thai-Cambodian border. To mitigate this risk, the Royal Thai Army has instructed troops to increase their level of vigilance when operating in unsurveyed border zones, with a particular emphasis on mine detection and safety protocols.
“This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that remain in these areas,” said a spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army. “Our soldiers must remain acutely aware of the potential for landmines and other explosive devices, and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.”
The incident in question occurred when a Thai soldier stepped on an old PMN-1 landmine while on patrol near the border. Fortunately, the soldier was reported to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is currently receiving medical attention. However, the incident has sparked a renewed focus on mine clearance and safety procedures within the Thai military.
In recent years, the Royal Thai Army has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at reducing the number of military personnel killed or injured by landmines. These include the provision of extensive training on mine detection and clearance procedures, as well as the deployment of specialized demining teams to areas known or suspected to contain explosive devices.
The Thai military’s efforts to clear the area of anti-personnel mines demonstrate a commitment to the safety and well-being of its personnel, as well as a recognition of the ongoing risks posed by these devices in certain regions. As the global community continues to work towards a world free from the threat of landmines, the Thai military’s initiative serves as a positive example of the importance of prioritizing mine clearance and safety protocols in areas affected by conflict.