YALA: A latex tapper stepped on a landmine and lost her leg at a rubber plantation in Yaha district early on Thursday morning.
The explosion was reported to police from the plantation in Ban Khae village of tambon Tachi at 5.05am.
Police identified the injured woman as Wipawan Plodkaenthong, 34, a local resident. She lost her left leg from below her knee and sustained wounds in her eyes and arms. She was referred to Yala regional hospital.
Security officials examined the area late in the morning and found a small bomb crater close to a rubber tree. There were also scraps of wire and batteries. It was estimated a one-kilogramme improvised bomb had been placed there.
The 20-rai plantation belongs to Patana Punsawat. Mrs Wipawan and her husband Preecha Pongsamut were hired to tap latex there.
Officials blamed insurgents.
