Bangkok: The Royal Thai Army has explained the incident involving soldiers stepping on an old buoy, which resulted in injuries. Engineering troops, along with the 3rd Naval Area Command, were dispatched to retrieve the buoy, and further investigation led to the discovery of 19 additional PMN-1 buoys.
According to Thai News Agency, Major General Winthai Suvari, the spokesman for the Royal Thai Army, provided details on the incident that occurred in Kantaralak District, Sisaket Province. Soldiers were injured by a landmine while on a mission to enhance security and improve operational bases along the border. The affected area is newly developed for troop deployment, and a comprehensive landmine survey may have been overlooked. The Cambodian side did not utilize this area during recent conflicts, resulting in soldiers stepping on an old landmine with a malfunctioning mechanism.
Post-incident inspection by military engineers and the 3rd Humanitarian Mine Action Unit (TMAC) uncovered 19 PMN-1 anti-personnel mines in the vicinity. The area has been cordoned off, and efforts are underway to recover the mines to ensure safety.
The army spokesperson further mentioned that the 2nd Army Area has directed personnel involved in security enhancement missions to exercise increased caution and enhance patrol measures, particularly in regions where landmines have not been surveyed and cleared.