Two Soldiers Injured by Old Landmine at Phu Pha Base
Two soldiers at Phu Pha military base sustained injuries on July 17 when they stepped on an old landmine during a clearing operation; both were transported to hospital and remained conscious with no limb loss.
Two soldiers were injured on July 17, 2025, when they accidentally stepped on an old, partially-functioning landmine during a clearing operation at Phu Pha military base. Sergeant Major Chakrit Buakaew, commander of a 40mm L60 anti-aircraft gun unit attached to the 122nd Infantry Company, sustained bruising and compression injuries to his right foot and ankle, along with mild chest tightness from the blast. Sergeant Major Satit Pongkaew, a gunner in the same unit assisting with the clearing work, was struck by shrapnel and soil fragments but showed no deep wounds and was taken for detailed medical evaluation. Both soldiers were evacuated immediately and transported safely to Kantharalak Hospital. The landmine was identified as residual ordnance left in the area; both casualties remained conscious, alert, and suffered no loss of limbs, though both experienced blast compression effects.