Ubon ratchathani: Warawut reveals that the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is rushing to help a soldier who stepped on a landmine, providing him with prosthetic devices, innovative dynamic prosthetic legs, and taking care of his family’s welfare rights.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, announced the assistance plan for soldiers injured by landmines in the Thai-Cambodian border area at Chong Bok, Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. The Ministry, alongside Mr. Chokchai Wichianchaiya, Director-General of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and other officials, will visit the injured soldiers on July 24 at Saraphisitprasong Camp Hospital. The visit will include high-ranking military officials and representatives from the War Veterans Organization, as well as Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pairat Tangpornprasert from Chulalongkorn University, who will introduce the sPace dynamic prosthetic device. This innovation is supported by the Fund for the Promotion and Development of the Quality of Life of Persons with Disabilities, aiming to enhance the mobility of injured individuals.
The prosthetic legs provided are noteworthy for their carbon fiber soles, which give a bounce akin to real human legs, and an ankle that rotates in all directions for convenience. The cost of these devices has significantly decreased, making them more accessible to the disabled community. The Ministry is committed to customizing each prosthetic to fit individual needs, recognizing the unique requirements of each person’s leg socket.
Beyond providing prosthetic devices, the Ministry offers guidance on welfare rights and services. Their support extends to the families of injured soldiers, with a focus on self-reliance and sustainable welfare. This initiative is a collaborative effort among various sectors to boost the morale of soldiers who have sacrificed for Thailand’s sovereignty. Additionally, the Banharn-Jamsai Silpa-archa Foundation will provide financial aid to the injured soldiers.
Thailand is a signatory to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and remains dedicated to fulfilling its obligations, particularly in aiding mine victims. The country emphasizes a coordinated approach involving ministries, mine survivors, and civil society to deliver comprehensive support. This includes promoting a national action plan and enhancing assistance by integrating databases of vulnerable groups. The strategy focuses on five areas: income, employment, health, education, and social welfare, under a unified concept of data integration for all rights. Furthermore, a foster family project is being promoted to encourage community involvement in caring for individuals with disabilities compassionately.