A military officer died on Friday after he stepped on a landmine in Preah Vihear province’s Choam Ksan district, near the Thai border.
Chin Hat, a 45-year-old warrant officer, died instantly as a result of the explosion. He was attached to the K-398 unit and was cremated on Sunday in his village, Sen Chey. Unit K-398 contributed to the funeral costs.
K-398 head Chhay Chorn said on Sunday that Hat stepped on a mine at Anlong Reang while patrolling the borderline with Thailand.
“On the day of the incident, Hat and six other officers were on patrol according to their schedules. Unfortunately, Hat didn’t follow the right path and stepped on a mine that was buried during the civil war,” he said.
“Hat was a good friend. We send our condolences to his family.”
Chorn said the rest of the unit was unharmed because they were all walking 30-50m apart.
Hat leaves behind a wife, Huot Samon, and three children. Samon told The Post on Sunday that she was very sad and worried about the future of her family but that she had the support of friends who have donated food and educational materials for her children.
“The brothers and sisters of my husband’s military unit told me they will help my children until they finish grade 12. I am not so worried anymore,” she said.