The Joint Command of Chanthaburi and Trat clarified that the transfer of Captain Thammanoon Wanna, Commander of the Marine Task Force in Trat, is a routine reassignment. He has been appointed to lead the Navy's Humanitarian Mine Action Unit, positioning him suitably for the current situation and highlighting the unit's important tactical and international roles.
On 31 March 2026, Vice Admiral Aphichat Supprasert, Commander of the Marine Corps and Commander of the Joint Command for Border Defense in Chanthaburi and Trat, signed an order transferring Captain Thammanoon Wanna, Commander of the Marine Task Force in Trat, to serve as Commander of the Navy's Humanitarian Mine Action Unit (HMAU) on 30 March.
The Joint Command for Border Defense in Chanthaburi and Trat recently explained that this transfer follows the Navy’s regular mid-year personnel rotation in April, involving a total of 17 officers. It is not a special case.
Commanders considered Captain Thammanoon's knowledge and experience, including his past service in southern Thailand and the Chanthaburi–Trat border areas such as Ban Samlang and Thamoda, which are strategically important. They deemed it appropriate to leverage his capabilities in the Humanitarian Mine Action Unit, a key agency for the Navy’s technical and intelligence operations with significant roles on the international stage.
The Navy's Humanitarian Mine Action Unit (HMAU) plays a critical role in clearing landmines along border areas, especially in Chanthaburi and Trat. These regions were former conflict zones that still contain numerous unexploded ordnance, posing ongoing risks to civilians and military personnel.
From a tactical perspective, clearing landmines enables military units to conduct patrols and control territories more effectively, reducing casualty risks and enhancing the country's defense capabilities in line with international standards.
Moreover, shifting the unit’s role from solely humanitarian mine clearance to also functioning as a “field engineering team” marks a significant tactical evolution. This change facilitates opening routes in hazardous areas, establishing safe zones for bases, and supporting rapid and secure movement of main combat forces.
Additionally, the unit collects operational evidence such as identifying types of landmines, recording coordinates, and compiling empirical data. This information supports international fact-finding processes, reinforcing Thailand’s commitment to global security obligations.
The Joint Command of Chanthaburi and Trat emphasized that this personnel adjustment aims to enhance operational efficiency in both security and international mission support, while ensuring sustainable safety in border areas.