A member of the Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC) was killed and another injured in a landmine explosion, as they led a team of forest rangers on a patrol in Phnom Dong Rek Wildlife Sanctuary near the Thai-Cambodian border yesterday (Thursday).
According to Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn, director of the 9th Conservation Area Management Office in the north-eastern border province of Ubon Ratchathani, one of the two TMAC members, Sgt Akkraphon Phuvadonworanat, accidentally stepped on a landmine, one of many planted along the porous border during the armed conflict between the two countries.
He said that the sergeant suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead on arrival at Khun Han District Hospital in Si Sa Ket province.
The other demining officer, commander of the canine demining group, sustained minor injuries and was treated at a hospital inside an army barracks in Ubon Ratchathani.
Chaiwat said that the forest rangers and the dog escaped unhurt, but the dog was later sent for a check-up.
