Soldier stable after emergency surgery for landmine injuries

2026-02-28 - 06:53

SURIN — 28 February 2026, A Thai army private seriously wounded in a landmine blast is in a stable condition after surgery and has been moved to an intensive care unit, doctors said on Saturday. Dr. Chawamai Suebnukarn, director of Surin Hospital, said Private Dechsak Trikham, known as “Pek”, had shown steady improvement and was now out of danger. The soldier, attached to Company 233 of the 23rd Infantry Battalion, stepped on an anti-personnel landmine near the Erawan operations base in Kab Choeng district, Surin province. The blast severed his right leg and left his left arm and leg injured by shrapnel. He was reported to be in a critical condition on arrival at hospital. Doctors performed surgery lasting about two hours before transferring him to a sterile surgical intensive care unit for close monitoring. “He initially lost a significant amount of blood and suffered from blood depletion, but we have replenished it. Overall, his condition has steadily improved and there is no immediate cause for concern,” Chawamai said. “However, we must continue to monitor for possible infection. The wound at the amputation site is improving significantly.” Throughout the operation, Surin Hospital coordinated with medical staff at Phramongkutklao Hospital due to the extent of his blood loss, he added. Private Dechsak appeared in good spirits, raising two fingers in a peace sign gesture of encouragement from his hospital bed, with his mother at his side. His mother, Amkha Trikham, said she was relieved that her son was safe and recovering. She expressed gratitude after he received a royally bestowed artificial leg and a floral arrangement from Maha Vajiralongkorn. She also thanked the doctors and staff at Surin Hospital for their care. Hospital officials said that once his condition stabilises further, he will be transferred to Phramongkutklao Hospital to formally receive the prosthetic limb.