The Royal Thai Army has taken steps to address concerns regarding malaria infections among soldiers deployed to patrol the Thai-Myanmar border. The agency recently issued the replacement of its troops from the Surasee Task Force for the Suriya Rivers Operation (SRO) in the border areas of Tak and Kanchanaburi provinces to ensure the well-being of all personnel.
Maj Gen Sirichan Ngathong, the Army spokesperson, announced that SRO personnel have been replaced by those from the Ratchamanu fast-deployment unit, operating under the Naresuan Task Force, adding that the change aims to mainly address the rising malaria infections.
To mitigate the health risks, the Army’s Medical Department is closely monitoring the health of personnel involved in the SRO. Soldiers were also provided with information on how to protect themselves from malaria before embarking on their patrols.
Deputy Chief of the Army’s Medical Department, Maj Gen Kasem Phinyochon, recently led a visit to the SRO bases to conduct malaria tests on the personnel involved in the operation. He stated that any soldier found to be infected with malaria will be promptly transported to the nearest hospital to receive necessary medical care. (NNT)
