Surin: The Prime Minister visited Surin province to offer encouragement to soldiers who stepped on landmines on the Thai-Cambodian border, affirming the army's full preparedness. Meanwhile, General Prayut Chan-o-cha provided financial assistance.
According to Thai News Agency, at the surgical and emergency ward of Surin Hospital in Mueang Surin District, Surin Province, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, along with Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Saram, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office Paradorn Prisnanantakul, Deputy Minister of Defence Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Arsit Sampantharat, Governor of Surin Province Chamroen Wanpetch, and their entourage, visited and offered encouragement to Private Dejsak Trikham, a soldier from Weerawat Yothin Camp, who was injured by a landmine. The explosion resulted in the amputation of his right leg, a large open wound on his left leg, and partial fractures. He was on duty within the Erawan Base, Chong Rayi, on the Thai-Cambodian border in Kab Choeng District, Surin Province, on February 27th. He was transferred from Kab Choeng Hospital to Surin Hospital where he is receiving close medical care. His overall condition is improving. During the visit to Private Dejsak Trikham and his family, the atmosphere was filled with joy, emotion, and smiles from the opportunity to have a friendly and close conversation with the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister stated that it was an overwhelming act of royal grace that His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen graciously bestowed a vase of flowers and a basket of gifts upon Private Dejsak Trikham. After the medical team deemed him fit, he will be transferred to Phramongkutklao Hospital in Bangkok to receive a prosthetic leg. Furthermore, His Majesty and Her Majesty have taken injured personnel who were wounded while performing their duty protecting national sovereignty in the Thai-Cambodian border provinces under their royal patronage, bringing immeasurable gratitude and appreciation to the personnel and their families.
'Private Dejsak Trikham is now out of danger and safe, but unfortunately, he lost his right leg. We must offer him our support and reassure him that he will not be abandoned. He will be given employment and other opportunities once he recovers. In this case, His Majesty the King has graciously granted royal patronage for his care as a patient. The prosthetic leg he received is of high quality. Other assistance and support will be provided according to legal procedures. We are pleased that he survived and is now out of danger, able to return to serve the nation in other ways. We commend him for his dedication in enlisting in the military while still studying. We are ensuring he receives all his entitlements and receiving the best possible care. This case is akin to a combat injury because it occurred in an area still under surveillance,' said Mr. Anutin.
The Prime Minister stated that, regarding the deployment of forces along the Thai-Cambodian border, we are maintaining constant preparedness under the agreement that each side will remain where they are positioned. Therefore, incidents like this may occur because we are occupying areas that were previously invaded, and we are consolidating our territory and establishing security. This may lead to encountering landmines. I have received a report from the Commander of the 2nd Army Region that he has ordered the mobilization of as many landmines as possible to clear them, using specialized equipment. The army is constantly clearing the area. We must expedite the removal and clearing of all landmines.
During this site visit, Mr. Anutin instructed relevant agencies to closely monitor the condition of the injured and provide them with full care and assistance according to their rights and welfare benefits. He also emphasized the need to proceed with compensation according to relevant regulations and stressed the importance of exercising extra caution by personnel in defusing any remaining explosive devices to ensure the safety of both the public and the officers on duty. Furthermore, he instructed them to increase the rigor and systematic inspection of their assigned areas.
Meanwhile, Private Detchasak said he was happy to be a part of serving the nation and sent his encouragement to his fellow soldiers on the front lines who are still performing their duties. He also thanked the Prime Minister and his delegation for visiting and giving encouragement.
Mrs. Amkha Treekham, the mother of Private Dechsak, revealed that she traveled from her hometown in Kantararom District, Sisaket Province, after hearing the news. She was very worried but relieved that her son was safe and proud to have been a part of protecting the nation.