Ubon Ratchathani: A soldier had his foot amputated yesterday morning after he stepped on a landmine while patrolling the border with rangers and forestry officials in tambon Siwichian of Nam Yuen district, local authorities said.
Pvt Patcharapong Halap, attached to the 11th Regiment Battalion, had his left foot severely wounded by the explosion near a knoll, about three kilometres from Chong Arn Ma border pass near the Thai-Cambodian border.
The incident took place at 10.40am.
The injured solider was taken to Nam Yuen Hospital for initial medical care before he was airlifted to the Sappasitthiprasong camp's hospital in the province.
Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn, director of Protected Area Regional Office 9, said yesterday Pvt Patcharapong was part of a nine-man team patrolling from Thepsathit base under orders from the commander of the 23rd Ranger Task Force.
He said the injured private was declared out of danger, but his left foot was so severely injured that doctors were forced to amputate it.
According to Mr Chaiwat, the mine was an old device and probably did not detonate fully otherwise eight other soldiers nearby would have also sustained injuries from the explosion or shrapnel thrown out in the blast.
Of the nine members of the patrol, three were from the 11th Regiment Battalion, three from the ranger unit, and the three others from the Yod Dom wildlife sanctuary.
According to Mr Chaiwat, it is believed that landmines remain scattered along Thai-Cambodian border areas.
Authorities concerned have been alerted to the incident and asked to take precautions when conducting future patrols.
