Urgent: Two Soldiers Injured by Explosion Shrapnel at Border Checkpoint After Bamboo Grove Fire

On January 30, 2024, the 2nd Army Region received a report of a grass fire near the barbed wire fence at the Chan Anma border checkpoint, in an area previously known for combat and unexploded ordnance. The fire spread to an area with suspected remaining explosive devices, causing a sudden explosion that sent shrapnel into two Thai military personnel. The injured soldiers were identified as: 1. Sergeant Thammarat Klaithip, a small arms group leader, who was knocked unconscious by the blast. He suffered shrapnel wounds above the right shoulder blade and showed signs of confusion and low blood pressure. Medical staff conducted heart monitoring and CT scans before arranging air transport to Supphasit Camp Hospital. 2. Private Weerasak Kanhareung, who was also rendered unconscious by the blast and transported to Supphasit Camp Hospital for treatment. The type and size of the explosive device are still under investigation. Witnesses reported that soldiers were attempting to extinguish a fire in the bamboo grove in front of the barbed wire fence to prevent it from reaching the operational base when the explosion occurred.