SURIN, THAILAND – A soldier was critically injured when an anti-personnel mine detonated inside the Erawan military base in Surin province early Friday morning.
Incident at Erawan base
At 06:44 a.m., an anti-personnel mine exploded on the grounds of the Erawan base in Surin. Private Dechsak Treekham of the 233rd Infantry Company was severely wounded in the blast.
Fellow soldiers provided first aid at the scene before the critically injured man was transported by rescue vehicle to Kab-Cheing Hospital. He lost his right leg and suffered additional injuries to both legs and his left arm.
A hospital spokesperson said the soldier’s condition remained serious and that he was under continuous medical supervision. Further surgeries and an extended period of rehabilitation were expected.
Military opens investigation
The military set up an investigative committee to determine how the mine could have ended up on the secured base grounds. In an initial statement, officials said the incident was being examined with determination.
They did not comment on possible security gaps or failures in earlier clearance efforts. Superiors were described as dismayed by what had happened.
No concrete findings from the internal investigation had been released so far. The army indicated that any conclusions and potential measures would be communicated at a later stage.
Border province with history of landmines
Surin province borders Cambodia, an area long affected by conflicts that left behind explosive remnants of war. Landmines have been regularly discovered near villages and military facilities in the region.
An incident inside an active military base was considered unusual, given existing safety measures. The army announced it would review security protocols at border bases.
Whether this review would lead to specific changes or broader clearance operations was still under investigation. The question of how the mine passed existing safeguards remained unanswered.
Injured soldier still in serious condition
Private Dechsak Treekham continued to receive inpatient treatment at Kab-Cheing Hospital. A hospital representative stated that his recovery would likely take a long time, given the extent of his injuries.
No official information had yet been provided on the progress of the military investigation. Authorities also had not detailed any concrete steps to improve the protection of border bases following the blast.