Thai soldier loses leg during landmine clearance along border with Cambodia

A Thai soldier lost his leg when he stepped on a landmine during clearing operations along the Thai-Cambodia border. Sergeant Major First Class Channarong Wongchana was carrying out landmine clearance when he triggered the hidden explosive near Chong An Ma in Ubon Ratchathani on August 17. The blast severed his right ankle and caused injuries to his right hand and other parts of his body. Frontline soldiers rushed to his aid and found him conscious before quickly evacuating him to Nam Yuen Hospital for initial treatment. He was later flown by helicopter to Fort Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital for further care. Channarong is the 15th Thai soldier to lose a leg during operations near the Cambodian border. Army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvaree said Cambodian forces had previously encroached on the area and established a base there. He said: 'After Thai forces pushed them out, the area was secured and cordoned off to allow personnel to clear landmines. ‘The Royal Thai Army expresses its regrets over the incident. ‘His affiliated agency has been instructed to provide the utmost care.' Thailand has previously accused Cambodia of breaching the Ottawa and Geneva Conventions banning the use of landmines, which can kill or maim civilians even after conflicts end. Both countries declared a ceasefire on December 27, ending weeks of conflict that left at least 26 Thai soldiers dead and one Thai civilian injured. In Cambodia, the number of military fatalities is believed to be much higher, though regime chiefs have not revealed the actual figure.