Bangkok: Class 67 National Defense College students join forces with Thai researchers to develop a prototype mine-clearing vehicle. To address the threat of PMN-2 landmines, which have claimed lives and injured Thai soldiers, students from National Defense College Class 67 have collaborated with Thai researchers to develop a prototype mine-clearing vehicle. This vehicle will be handed over to the Royal Thai Army to enhance protection and restore safety to border areas.
According to Thai News Agency, the 67th class of the National Defense College of Thailand held a ceremony to deliver a modified PMN-2 mine-clearing excavator for complex terrain in border areas to Lieutenant General Sirapop Suphawanich, Director of the Royal Thai Army's Department of Engineers. The vehicle is intended for use in national defense missions.
Major General Sadet Akajak, president of the Class 67 National Defense College student body, revealed that Thai soldiers along the Thai-Cambodian border have faced danger from PMN-2 landmines smuggled and planted along patrol routes, leading to injuries and the loss of limbs. In response, Class 67 students collaborated with the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and the Department of Military Engineering to design and build this prototype vehicle to help reduce risk and enhance safety for those on duty.
Meanwhile, Professor Dr. Chukit Limpijanong, Director of NSTDA and a student of the National Defense College Class 67, stated that the prototype vehicle was developed and modified from a small excavator weighing approximately 3.5 tons. The excavator head has been adapted to attach a piece of steel resembling a nut to act as a destructive head until it explodes and withstands pressure.
The indenter, developed by the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), uses engineering technology, combining three-dimensional design, computer simulation, and high-strength steel materials. Equipped with a safety armor kit and a replaceable mine-destroying indenter head, it supports practical use in risky areas and complements existing large-scale mine-clearing vehicles that operate at wide angles.
In narrow areas, or around tree roots where large bomb disposal vehicles cannot enter, these vehicles will reinforce the work. This innovation is a step forward, reflecting the potential of Thai researchers and serving as a national security tool to help restore safety to military personnel and citizens along the border.