Three Thai army personnel sustained injuries—one critically—after stepping on a suspected newly planted landmine during a border patrol in Ubon Ratchathani province. The incident occurred Wednesday on Mount 481 near the contentious Chong Bok border zone in Nam Yuen district, where the soldiers’ 14-member unit was conducting routine surveillance.

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Military sources confirmed the wounded were urgently transported to Warin Chamrap district’s military hospital. Private Thanapat, the most severely injured, suffered traumatic leg wounds necessitating amputation. Preliminary investigations identified the device as a Russian-made PMN-2 anti-personnel mine, notable for its plastic construction and high-explosive charge designed to inflict debilitating injuries rather than fatalities.

Authorities emphasized the mine’s likely recent emplacement, as the area had undergone thorough demining operations. This assessment gained credence after demining teams discovered four identical PMN-2 devices in the vicinity just one day prior. The discovery raises concerns about renewed border tensions, with the 15.9-ounce mines’ presence suggesting deliberate placement despite longstanding clearance efforts.

Second Region Army commander Lt-Gen Boonsin Padklang visited the hospitalized soldiers Thursday, pledging comprehensive medical care and compensation. The incident marks another perilous chapter in the historically sensitive border region, where territorial disputes have previously triggered armed confrontations between Thailand and Cambodia.

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Defense analysts note the PMN-2’s detection challenges and maiming-focused design compound risks for border security personnel. The Thai military has intensified patrols while urging diplomatic channels to address the alleged border violations.

-Thailand News (TN)