Grenade explosion at Rama VI Camp injures police trainer
A police trainer was seriously injured after a grenade explosion at Rama VI Camp in Cha Am on Friday, 22 May, while equipment was being prepared before a training exercise.
Cha Am police were alerted to the incident at the field hospital area inside Rama VI Camp in Phetchaburi province. Pol Lt Col Saiyon Khuennokkhum, deputy investigation chief at Cha Am Police Station, and Pol Lt Sakda Simuang, deputy suppression inspector at Cha Am Police Station, were among the officers who attended the scene.
The injured officer was identified as Pol Sen Sgt Maj Saksit Phuking-ngern, 51, a Border Patrol Police trainer. He was given emergency first aid by medical staff at the camp before being taken to Hua Hin Hospital for urgent treatment.
Initial enquiries found that the officer had been preparing equipment and explosive material for use in training when the device exploded. The blast caused serious injuries and prompted authorities to seal off the area.
Commanding officers ordered that the scene be closed to unauthorised personnel while explosive ordnance disposal officers and forensic police were called in to examine the area and collect evidence.
Rama VI Camp issues clarification
The 1st Sub-Division of the Special Training Division, Border Patrol Police Bureau, later issued a statement expressing its regret over the incident.
The camp said the explosion happened during the movement of explosive material used for training earlier in the morning.
It also clarified that the injured officer was a trainer assigned to work in the area and was not a member of staff under Rama VI Camp.
According to the statement, the officer received initial treatment at Hua Hin Hospital and arrangements were being made for him to be transferred urgently to Police General Hospital for further treatment.
Rama VI Camp said it was giving its support to the injured officer and hoped his treatment would proceed successfully.
Police and relevant agencies are continuing to investigate the cause of the explosion.
