Chanthaburi: The Prime Minister made an urgent visit to Phra Pokklao Hospital to meet Petty Officer 1st Class Therdpong Phomnara, a Marine Corps engineer from the Trat Task Force, Royal Thai Navy, who lost a leg after stepping on a landmine near the Thai-Cambodian border. This incident marks the eighth soldier to suffer such an injury.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized the government's commitment to supporting the injured soldiers. He assured that the government and military will not abandon those who have sacrificed for the nation, pledging full support for their medical treatment, rehabilitation, and compensation.
The Prime Minister expressed his discontent with the situation, stressing that the actions leading to these injuries are unacceptable. He urged the international community to address the issue with the responsible parties rather than imposing directives on Thailand. He reiterated that Thailand will take necessary actions as deemed appropriate to respond to these incidents.
Reporters indicated that the landmine incident occurred in the Nong Ri area, Chamrak Subdistrict, Mueang Trat District. It is alleged that Cambodian authorities had secretly planted landmines near residential areas, leading to injuries among Thai soldiers who were on patrol and needed urgent medical attention.