Prime Minister Anutin led the Cabinet to visit and encourage the soldier who stepped on a border landmine, stating that if violence breaks out in Thailand, the military is fully prepared. Private Detchak said he feels proud to be part of serving the nation and thanked the Prime Minister for his support.
On 1 Mar 2026 at 16:55 GMT+7, at Surin Hospital in Surin Province, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Sarum, and Deputy Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, visited Private Detchak Tri-Kham, who was injured stepping on a person-triggered landmine while on duty at the Erawan Operations Base in Kabchoeng District, Surin Province on 27 Feb. The explosion caused the loss of his right leg, a large open wound on his left leg, and partial fractures of the left leg bone. He is currently under close medical care. Surin's governor, heads of agencies, and local residents awaited their arrival. The Prime Minister greeted and spoke with the public before visiting Private Detchak.
/Private Detchak said he feels proud to be part of serving the nation and sends encouragement to frontline soldiers still on duty. He thanked Prime Minister Anutin for visiting and supporting him. Mrs. Amka Tri-Kham, Detchak's mother, said she traveled from her hometown in Kanthararom District, Sisaket Province. She was very worried upon hearing the news but is relieved her son is safe and proud that he is part of defending the country. Lieutenant General Adul presented financial aid and a gift basket to boost morale for Private Detchak and his family, expressing concern and wishing him a speedy recovery.
Prime Minister Anutin said that although the border situation remains tense with possible provocations from Cambodia, Thai soldiers remain patient and strictly adhere to international rules. However, if violence occurs, he assures the military is fully ready. He urged the public to use discretion when receiving and sharing information, especially on social media where sensationalism may increase viewership. He asked everyone to rely primarily on official military and government sources.
Visiting the site of the fire and explosion at the Border Patrol Police 21 weapons depot.
At 17:30 GMT+7, at the Border Patrol Police Command 21 in Mueang Surin District, Surin Province, Prime Minister Anutin and his team inspected the site of a fire and explosion inside the armory of Border Patrol Police Command 21.
The fire and explosion occurred at 19:30 GMT+7 on 24 February 2026, starting with a fire inside the armory area. Security guards detected flames and reported to their commanders for control. Subsequent explosions followed. Authorities confirmed strict security and guard duty measures, especially during the tense border situation.
It is suspected the incident was caused by ignition of equipment or detonators inside the depot, due to hot weather and aging weapons stored there, as the facility has been in place for over 39 years. The affected area involves two of seven depots, used to store ammunition and RPG launchers. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams and the Forensic Office are conducting official investigations following legal procedures. Border Patrol Police Command 21 urges the public to follow information from official sources to prevent confusion and rumors that could undermine local confidence.
