Soldiers also suffer stress

The recent tragedy of a 25-year-old soldier who killed himself after he injured two civilians in a shooting in Surin province should not be concealed by the military.

- 

Instead, this heartbreaking incident should serve as an immediate wake-up call about the urgent need to pay more attention to the mental well-being of our soldiers, especially when it comes to dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Last week, Pvt Ratthaphum Thepsiri of the 1623rd Infantry Company in Surin’s Kap Choeng district, who ‘was stationed near the Cambodian border, left his base without authorisation, carrying an M16 assault rifle and rounds of ammunition. Later, he fired dozens of shots on a road near Wat Ban Khuen Kaew, injuring two bystanders.

Anuwat Singchai, 32, was left severely injured after a bullet punctured the right side of his lungs, while Wut-thana Naprakoan, 35, suffered minor injuries from shattered glass. Both men are now reportedly in stable condition after receiving medical treatment.